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Item. tliE StMenduXrayou m-possessicrrurf J.C
, arson. Biesvoort.Esq.
AND
(Charts
OF THE
Jlmcrtcan ^Icuoftttton
WITH
EXPLANATORY NOTES
AND
SCHOOL HISTORY REFERENCES
BY
H enry B. Carrington, m. a., ll. d.
COLONEL UNITED STATES ARMY
Author of “ Battles of the American Revolution"
NEW YORK
A. S. BARNES & COMPANY
hi & 1 13 William Street
CHICAGO, ILL
,36 8r, 38, Madison Street
/J/U eu 'S / / ^ ‘ : —
* t\VW \ol&o.\* , nSTV'
Copyrighted 1881,
by
Henry B. Carrington.
INTRODUCTORY-
growth of the United States is so rapid , and all nations are
so intimately associated by modern activities , that no ordinary
School History can combine the sterling facts of the world's progress,
and at the same time clearly define the military events of the Ameri-
can war for national independence .
To condense that military record and apply it directly to maps ,
as object lessons, will diminish the difficulty , and equally correct an
impression that the war itself had small military value , except as a
means to new political conditions.
The classical student is early taught by the campaigns of Ccesar
and Hannibal, that the celebrated maxims of Napoleon are only re-
statements of principles which those great soldiers embodied in their
philosophy of war, and that, while new appliances of force are the
product of spirited invention, the science of ivar itself remains sub-
stantially unchanged.
In like manner the American youth will more highly value his
birth-right as an American, if he can see, that great armies and great
reputations, which attach to late wars, only enforce the statement, that
the war of the Revolution was one of extraordinary issues, and that
maturing history only adds to the reputation of Washington as a
soldier.
It is not practicable to use elaborate histories as text books in the
curriculum of study at Normal Colleges, Academies, High Schools
or Military Schools, and the cost of school books, both standard and
elementary, is already a severe tax upon teachers as well as pupils.
An Atlas of maps and charts , with military notes, and a refer-
ence to paragraph or page where each leading event is mentioned in
school histories, now in use, will alike facilitate instruction and study.
Some of these histories have been compiled with special regard
to their use by distinct localities or Churches. The Atlas will sup-
plement the brief narrative in each, and to that extent become
auxiliary to the labors of the scholars who have devoted themselves
to the elucidation of American History, for the benefit of youth.
3
(flenicutnrit Ittnxiuto
%^/4-HILE military science embodies many technical details, its phi-
1 losophy is that of sound mental judgment as to the right con-
J duct and support of armies in the field ; and good common
sense is its simplest expression.
The school pupil is only annoyed by the intrusion of the formal
matter of a strictly military discussion, but will be aided in the study
of military history by a plain statement of the accepted sub divisions of
military science as an art. The merits and defects of commanders can
be better understood through some standard by which to weigh their
acts. Thus, a soldier, succes ful, on condition that resources and sup-
plies are adequately within his reach, might prove a failure if he had
to assemble, organize and transport all elements of true succe s ; and a
good Engineer or Quartermaster, is not necessarily equal to an emer-
gency, when, as in the case of Washington, the commander is respon-
sible for his army, as a whole, and for every subordinate element and
relation. The following brief statement will aid the student :
Wise Statesmanship is fundamental in declaring military policy.
Grand Strategy “secures those combinations wh’ch will assure
the highest possible advantage in the employment of military force. It
deals with the theatre of war, its character, resources, topographical
features, inter-communication, and all substantial difficulties to be over
come in the way to success.” Howe, at Long Island, and Brandywine,
and Washington in the New Jersey campaign, illustrated good strategy.
Grand Tactics “teaches how t < handle armies in the field.”
Clinton and Washington met the condi ions at Monmouth.
Logistics “embodes the practical art of bringing armies fully
equipped, to the battl .* issu..” This involves all supplies of ordnance,
provisions, medicines, transportation, etc , etc. General Greene excelled
in this art, and Washington was pre-eminently watchful of minut- st
details.
Engineering “ is the application cf mathematics and mechanics
to works offensive and defensive, the crossing of risers, removal of
obstacles and kindred service.” Gridley showed skill in fortifying
Breeds Hill, and both Greene and Rufus Putnam aided successfully to
establish posts on the Hudson. So did Kosciusko at Saratoga.
Minor Tactics “involv s the instruction of soldiers, individually,
in the details of military drill, and, the perfection of discipline.”
This was the special merit of Baron Sieuben at Valley Forge ; so
that the army was seasoned for the ensuing campaign.
4
Eng* try E 3. Sail & Sons, 13 Barclay Sl.F.Y.
ZfUnstvntious
List of Maps.
Page.
Page in History.
i.— Outline of Atlantic Coast
..... 6....
2. — Battle of Bunker Hill
8....
page in
3. — Siege of Quebec
“
44
137
4. — Boston and Vicinity
44
44
154
5. — Operations in Canada
. . “
4 4
169
6. — Battle of Long Island
. . “
44
213
7. — New York and Vicinity
18....
“
1 4
227
8. — Capture of Fort Washington
. . “
253
9. — Trenton and Vicinity „
. . “
44
269
10. — Trenton and Princeton
i i
277
11. — Operations in New Jersey
“
<C
302
12. — Burgoyne’s Saratoga Campaign
. . “
312
13. — Battle of Hubbardton
30. . . .
. . “
321
14. — “ “ Bennington
32...
“
44
334
15. — “ “ Freeman’s Farm
1 4
“
344
16. — “ “ Bemis Heights
“
44
349
17. — Surrender of Burgoyne
38....
“
44
354
18. — Capture of Forts Clinton and Montgomery.. . .
“
44
361
19 — Battle of Brandywine
42....
“
4 4
381
20. — “ “ Germantown
44
“
44
39 1
21. — Operations on the Delaware
46
44
“
395
22. — “ near Philadelphia
48
1 1
“
398
23. — Encampment at Valley Forge
n
“
401
24. — La Fayette at Barren Hill
i <
“
407
25. — Battle of Monmouth
54
. . “
“
445
26. — Siege of Newport
56
. . “
“
456
27. — “ “ Savannah
58
“
“
483
28.— “ “ Charleston
“
“
497
29. — Battle of Springfield
62
44
“
502
30- — Outline Map of Hudson River, Highlands
64
4 4
“
512
31. — Battle of Camden
“
“
522
32. — Arnold at Richmond and Petersburg,
68
4 4
44
533
33* — Battle of Cowpens
70
( 4
44
546
34. — Operations in Southern States
72
“
4 4
556
35- — Battle of Guilford
4 (
4 4
565
36.— “ “ Hobkirk’s Hill
“
“
575
37- — “ “ Eutaw Springs
78
“
582
38. — Operations in Chesapeake Bay
80
4 4
44
596
39. — La Fayette in Virginia
82
4 4
“
616
4°* — Benedict Arnold at New London
84
44
44
629
41- — Siege of Yorktown
4 4
44
645
42. — Summary of Events
5
(Outline of tljc Atlantic Coaot
HE geographical features of the theatre of war d fine its critical
mm. and strategic elements. Genera! Howe expressed his estimate
of the impending struggle when he succeeded Gage, October
ioth, 1774, by assuming command '* in all the Atlantic Colonies, from
Nova Scotia to West Florida, inclusive.”
Lord Dartmouth had previously advised that New York be made
the base of British operations, at the expense of abandoning Massachu-
setts ; and when Washington assumed command of the American army
before Boston, July 3d, 1775, he urged forward the siege and all other
operations, with view to the earl est practicable occupation of New
York. Reference to the map explains their purpose.
From the usual formation of armies by right, centre and left
divisions, there is derived an analogous geographic 1 separation into
right, centre and left zones, or belts, of operation. Thus, from New
York as a base, there is developed, as the right zone. New England,
which could be completely iso’ated from the centre (New Jersey and
Pennsylvania) whenever the force at New York had naval control of
Hudson river and Long Island sound.
The adequate occupation of Chesapeake bay, by a force from New
York, would alike isolate the South from the centre, and prevent inter-
support. This was true British policy.
A wise counter strategy, devolved upon the American commander
the necessity of holding the central zone, so firmly, as to threaten New
York, support the other zones, and thwart all efforts, permanently to
isolate, and thereby conquer in detail, New England and the South.
His location amid the fastnesses of New Jersey, except while at Valley
Forge, when Howe held Philadelphia in force, as an advanced base, and
the garrison of New York was too feeble for offensive action, enabled
him so well to fulfill the best strategic conditions of ultimate success,
that New England was abandoned by" Clinton, New York imperilled,
and Yorktown was captured. Incursions and depredations only irri-
tated the people.
A classification by teachers and pupils, of the events of the war, by
their relations to these zones and their effect in separating, or associa-
ting the different sections, in opposition to Great Britain, will insure a
fair basis for a judgment upon the character of the soldiers of that
war.
The substantial unity of the colonies in their assertion of inde-
| pendence, coupled with the fact that, when Boston was evacuated, there
remained no effective British garr’son upon Colonial soil, requires that
the war be considered as one between two independent States, and that
the aggressiveness of Great Britain be treated as an invasion, for con-
quest.
6
Rattle of Ihtttltcv ijtll
JUNE 17th, 1775
^Vmmntn (fmnitmnhns
PUTNAM PRESCOTT STARK
Strength, 1,400. Casualties, 449.
Notes. — The spirited skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, April 19th, encouraged the “ Massa-
chusetts Committee of Safety ” and the “ Council of war” to seize the heights behind Charlestown,
and thus anticipate a like movement proposed by the British for June 18th. The troops organized at
Cambridge, just after sunset, June 16th, and moved under their commander, Col. PRESCOTT, for
Bunker Hill ; but, by advice of Engineer Gridley, Breeds Hill was substituted as more eligible for
resisting a British landing. PUTNAM accompanied the expedition, returned to headquarters in the
morning for reinforcements, regained the peninsula, with STARK, and was conspicuously active in
encouraging the troops during the day. Stark held the left, supplementing what was defective near
the Mystic, while Prescott fought at the redoubt. A small trench had been begun, eastward from
the entrance, to be returned northward and join the main line. The presence of a small pond seemed
partially to protect that flank, and there was no time for more elaborate entrenchments.
§viti$h t&mmavtowc*
CLINTON HOWE PIGOTT
Strength, 3,800. Casualties, 1,054.
Notes. — The British landed at Moulton’s Point, and formed on Morton’s Hill.
The first advance, at three o’clock P. M., was promptly repulsed. The artillery was of little
service, having been carelessly supplied with balls of larger calibre than the guns. The 38th Regi-
ment, upon their repulse, took lodgment behind a stone wall. Reinforced by the 5th Regiment, Gen-
Pigott again approached the redoubt, but again the whole line is repulsed, and his division reforms under
cover of a lower ridge of Breeds Hill. Charlestown is in flames. Clinton and Burgoyne cross over and
take part in the action. The 47th Regiment and marines, freshly arrived, unite with the 43d and 52d
to support the 5th and 38th in a combined attack upon the redoubt, while the grenadiers, light infantry
and artillery, complete the general line of advance. Howe turns two available guns upon the entrance
to the redoubt. The Americans, now being without ammunition, retreat. Putnam attempted to
provide a rallying place on Bunker Hill, but found it impracticable.
Gen. Warren, present as a volunteer, was killed near the entrance of the redoubt, and each army
engaged lost nearly a third of its force. #
Mem. — The British landing should have been made from the Mystic , in rear of Bunker
Hill , or from the isthmus , under cover of the fleet.
llcfcvcurctv
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 92-117.
School :
Anderson, T 20 ; p. 70. Holmes, T 8 ; p. in.
Barnes, T 3 ; p. 108. Lossing, ^ 10-14 \ P- 132-3.
Berard (Bush), 41-42 ; p. 143-4. Quackenbos,^f 294-7; p. 209-12.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys), ^9; p.115. Ridpath, T 8-12; pp. 189-90.
Swinton,^ 79-84 ; p. 120-1.
Scott, ^ 5-8 ; p. 161-3.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), T 239-4 ;
P- 134-5.
Goodrich, S. G., ^ 4-15 ; pp. 193-4.
Hassard, 1 10-19; P* 159-62.
Sadlier (Excel), 1 16-18; p. 17-980 Venable, T 123 ; p. 96.
Stephens, A. H., I3 ; p. 173-4.
Breeds Hill
Gwiboata
ArmedAanTpo,
Falcon
Sjfc School Hill
XuiliniJ of :. . .
or cements
Sotner/sek'
Second Position of lively
THE
BATTLE OF BLEEDS HILL
OR
BUNKER HILL.
Compiled and DrawmTby Col. Carrington.
I- I American
Scale of 20 Rods.
20 40 60 80
t JR i
Chari e 8
‘12*
A •} nanlt ttpun (Quebec
DECEMBER 30, 1775
^merkrin (f ommaubevs
MONTGOMERY ARNOLD
Strength, 1,300. Casualties, 750.
Notes.— ARNOLD left Cambridge Sept. 17th, sailed from Newport Sept. 19th, entered the Ken-
nebec River Sept. 20th, sent scouts to Dead River and Lake Megantic (see map 1), and advanced Morgan’s
riflemen on the 23d. This command of i,ico men, with rations for 45 days, was expected to make the
march to St. Lawrence River in 20 days. Storms, swamps, thickets, freezes, hunger and desertions
reduced the number one fourth, and Point Levi was not reached by the survivors until Dec. 9th. On
the 13th, at night, 750 men crossed in birch bark canoes, but daylight having revealed the movement,
the residue, with ladders already prepared for storming purposes, was left behind. Arnold picketed
the roads from Lorette, St. Foy and Three Rivers, to cut off supplies for Quebec; but finding that
the garrison had been strengthened during his protracted march, he retired to Point Aux Trembles on
the 19th, to await the arrival of Montgomery.
MONTGOMERY succeeded Schuyler (sick) in command of a second expedition, organized at
Ticonderoga to invade Canada via Montreal, captured that city November 12th, left Wcoster in
command, and joined Arnold about Dec. 1st. Advancing through snow drifts ten feet deep, he
quartered his men in houses of the suburb of St. Roche, on the Charles River, before dark, Dec. 5th.
On the 6th he demanded the surrender of Quebec, but received no reply. On the 9th a battery of six
guns and two mortars was planted before St. John’s gate. The hard frozen ground and extreme cold
rendered regular approaches impracticable, and the small calibre of the guns rendered them useless
for breaching purposes. On the 16th an assault was planned. On the night of the 30th one
column demonstrated against St. John’s and St. Louis’ gates ; one column against Cape Diamond
bastion, while one, under Montgomery, toward Kings Yard, beneath Cape Diamond, and a fourth
under Arnold, through the lower town, by Porte de Palais, made the chief attacks. Premature
signals alarmed the garrison, and in spite of desperate valor, both assaults failed. Montgomery,
McPherson, Cheeseman and ten others were killed by one discharge of grapeshot. Arnold was
wounded, and Morgan, who accompanied him, was taken prisoner with 426 officers and men. Arnold
retreated, and the siege was practically abandoned until spring.
SIR GUY CARLETON, Governor of Canada, distinguished himself by kindness to the pris-
oners. He had withdrawn from Montreal in safety, at the attack of Montgomery, reached Point Aux
Trembles the same day as Arnold, just missing him, and by his arrival increased the garrison of
Quebec to about 2,000 men. Two hundred guns defended the works.
Mem. — Of the brave men in the assault , the following deserve notice; MEIGS and FEBIGER
stormed Stony Point with Wayne ; Col. GREEN defended Red Bank ; THAYER fought at Fort
Mifflin ; LAMB at Fort Montgomery and Yorktown : OSWALD at Monmouth, and PORTER-
FIELD at Camden. STEVENS at Ticonderoga, Saratoga and Yorktown.
jUr fnenres :
Carrington’s “ Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 121-137.
Anderson, T 25 ; p. 72.
Barnes, ^ 2 ; p. 112.
Berard(Bush), T 48-9; pp. 146-7.
Goodrich, C.A. (Seaveys), T 14, p.
Goodrich, S. G., T 8 ; p. 200.
Hassard, ^ 5 ; p. 164.
Holmes, T 11 ; p. 113.
Lossing, T 21-2 ; p. 137.
Quackenbos, If 302 ; p. 216.
117. Ridpath, T 19 ; p. 191.
Sadlier (Excel), T 21 ; p. 180
Stephens, A. H., T 10 ; p. 17
Swinton, T 94; p. 124.
Scott, 1 14 ; p. 165.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), 246-7 ;
P- 137-8,
Venable, IT 126; p. 98.
2/0J&1/1M2?} /fy l/AWUff pi/2J
;£»U'ltC of it 00 to 11-
From JUNE 20th, 1775 TO MARCH 17th, 1776
JUtmiwit (tomiiuutbrv*
WASHINGTON
WARD, LEE, PUTNAM, GREENE, SULLIVAN, THOMAS,
R. PUTNAM, MIFFLIN.
Strength, 23.372 Casualties 30
grittelt (fmmmtnbeve
HOWE
PIGOTT BURGOYNE CLINTON
Strength, 9,147 Casualties, Nominal
Notes. — Immediately after the action at Breeds Hill, Putnam fortified Ploughed Hill and
Prospect Hill, so effectually, that no successful sortie was made across the isthmus, by the British
force on Charlestown Heights.
The position of the American divisions appears from the map. The environment was complete.
During the winter, Washington waited, in vain, for such thickness of ice as would enable him to cross
and attempt the city by assault. The strategy, which was finally successful, commanded universal
praise from contemporary soldiers.
After sunset, March ist, and again during the entire night of March 4th, all batteries within prac-
tical range, opened fire upon the city, and with such effect as to compel the garrison to keep under
cover. By daylight of March 5th, two redoubts crowned Dorchester Heights. Generals Greene and
Sullivan were in position at Fort No. 2, near Putnam’s headquarters, to resist any attack, in case the
British discovered the proposed movement before its execution. Eight hundred picked men well
armed, and a working party of twelve hundred, marched silently, under command of General Thomas.
Three hundred carts, with picks, tools and fascines, had been provided by Quartermaster Mifflin, who
had been in Washington’s confidence, during preparation for the movement. Rufus Putnam acted as
Chief Engineer.
The British made one effort to dislodge the Americans from the Heights, but their boats were
dispersed by a storm, and the attempt was not repeated.
By March toth, the Americans had fortified Nook’s Hill, and during that night, eight hundred
shot and shell were thrown into the city.
On the 17th General Howe evacuated, and on the 20th General Washington entered Boston.
ilcfcrcncco :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution," pp. 146-154.
Anderson, ^ 28 ; p. 73.
Barnes, 3 ; p. 112.
Berard (Bush), 53 ; p. 148.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys) ^ 16; p. 117.
Goodrich, S. G., 7-8 ; p. 204-5.
Hassard, ^ 12-13 ; p. 167.
Holmes, ^ 14 ; p. 114.
Lossing, T 13 ; P* M°-
Quackenbos, ^ 307 ; p. 219.
Ridpath, «j[ 3-5 ; p. 193.
Sadlier (Excel.), ^ 25 ; p. 182.
Stephens, A. II., ^ 13 ; p. 172,
Swinton, 97-3 ; p. 124-6.
Scott, 2-5 ; p. 167.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ 248 ;
p. 13S.
Venable, T 127 ; p. 98.
is
(Opcvntimut in ©niutbit
From SEPT. 1755, to JULY, 1776
Ammntn (Toittmnubcvc*
Schuyler, Montgomery, Wooster, Thomas,
Sullivan
ARNOLD, J. & H. B. LIVINGSTON, WAYNE, Col. GREEN, OSWALD,
MORGAN, WARNER, IRVINE, PORTERFIELD, ALLEN,
THAYER, THOMPSON
grittelt (fmmmntbtTs
CAELETON BURGOYNE
PHILLIPS, RIEDESEL, PRESCOTT, FRASER, NESBIT, McLEAN
Notes. The Canada campaign was based upon the theory that the people of that country were fully
in earnest to resist the enforcement of certain Acts of Parliament, which were reported to be as offensive,
in practical application, as those which irritated the other colonies. The garrisons at Montreal and
Quebec were known to be small, and the acquisition of Canada would leave no independent land base
for British operations on the continent. The people of Canada did not respond, in force. The expe-
ditions were too feeble to command their respect, or act independently, and the season of the year was
exceedingly unpropitious for field service.
Governor Carleton had moved southward to St. Johns, intending to secure T iconderoga and Crown
Point, which had been seized by Allen and Warner on the 10th and 12th of May. Schuyler was
entrusted with command of the column against Montreal. It reached Isle La Motte Sept. 3d, Isle
Aux Noix Sept. 4th, and embarked for St Johns Sept. 6th. Montgomery at once succeeded to the
command, as Schuyler was compelled to return to Ticonderoga on account of sickness. October 18th,
Livingston (James) and Major Brown, with a local force, seized Chambly, and large supplies. General
Wooster then joined Montgomery, and, after a siege of fifty days, captured St. Johns, Nov. 3d, and
6oo prisoners, Andre among the number. Nov. 12th, Montgomery occupied Montreal, and Carleton
retired to Quebec. On the 1st of April, 1776, Wooster assumed command in Canada, and attempted
to reduce Quebec. Arnold injured his wounded limb by a fall from his horse, and returned to Mon-
treal with Wooster, who took a sick leave, while Thomas took command. On May 1st, Carleton made
a prompt sortie, in force, and the American army, after much loss, retreated to Dechambault, 58 miles
below Montreal, and on the 2d of June reached Sorel. Here General Thomas died, and Sullivan took
command on the 6th. The battle of the Cedars, near Montreal, had already been disastrous to
American prestige in that vicinity. On the 1st of June, the British army in Canada had been increased
to 9,984 effective men, and General Fraser advanced nearly to Three Rivers, to take the offensive.
Sullivan, underestimating Fraser’s force, reinforced St. Clair, who was at Nicholet, with 800 men, by
sending Wayne, Maxwell and Irvine, under General Thompson, down the river and through Lake St.
Peters, to attack the British column. They effected a landing at Cape Aux Lac, but not undiscovered,
and left Thompson, Irvine and 150 other prisoners with the enemy.
The British ships ascended the river, and on the 14th of June, Sullivan withdrew his army, already
demoralized and enfeebled by the scourge of smallpox, reaching St. Johns on the 18th of June, and
Crown Point early in July. Arnold remained at Montreal with 300 men, until the British fleet hove in
sight. The British army, under Burgoyne. re-occupied St. Johns, and the Canadian campaign, which
had cost over 5,000 men, and so persistently depleted the army which Washington needed at New York,
came to an end.
Itcfcvcttrce :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 92-117.
Anderson, T 26 ; p. 72. Holmes, T 9 ; p. 112. Swinton, t 93-5 ; p. 123-4.
Barnes, IF 4 ; p. in. Lossing, T 19-22 : p. 136-7. Scott, T 12-16 ; p. 164-5.
Berard (Bush), T 47-52 ; p. 146-7. Quackenbos, ^ 299-303; p. 214-17. Thalheimer (Eclectic), 1" 246-7 ;
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),^[ 13; p. 117. Ridpath, T 17-20; p. 191-2. p. 137-8.
Goodrich, S. G., ^ 1-10 ; p. 201-2. Sadlier, (Excel), 20 ; p. 180. Venable, ^ 126 ; p. 98.
Hassard, 1 2-6 ; p. 163-4. Stephens, A.H. T 7-13; p. 174-6.
14
Compiled and Brawn by Col. Car/vnjton.
170*
i? nttlc of gon0 3slnitb
AUGUST 27, 1776
^Vmcvmtn (K<rotitwn&cr*
SULLIVAN PUTNAM STIRLING
Strength, 9,380 Casualties, 997
Notes. — Americans entrench on Brooklyn Heights, from Wallabout Bay to Gowanus Bay. Righ
wing, under Stirling, is advanced along the harbor road, on shortest line of British approach. The
centre, under Sullivan, is at Prospect Hill (now Prospect Park), to oppose British advance via Flat-
bush. The left, toward Jamaica, is unprotected and only negligently patrolled.
gritteh mumtnbcvo
CORNWALLIS HOWE, CLINTON
DONOP DeHEISTER PERCY
Strength, 20,500 Casualties, 400
Notes. — British, in force under Grant, press Stirling back, after a sharp action, near present
Greenwood Cemetery. De Heister threatens Sullivan from Flatbush. The main army, under Howe,
Clinton, Cornwallis and Percy, turns the unprotected American left flank, takes Sullivan and Stirling
in the rear, and captures both. British entrench ; neglect to assault the works, and the American army
retreats to New York, Aug. 29, without loss, under cover of night and a dense fog.
Mem. — The examination of British and American Archives clearly shows the fact that the
American loss in prisoners has been greatly over-estimated. The American force at Brooklyn
has been under-estimated ; but these disparities are accounted for by careful study of the
41 Official Returns .” The statement that many of Stirling1 s division were drowned in Gowanus
Bay, is confronted by these Returns.
IlcfcVCttfCO :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 198-213
jirtwial Ptetom# :
Anderson, T 33-4; p. 75. Holmes, 1" 20 ; p. 119. Swinton,^ 112-14 ; p. 128.
Barnes, I3; p. 114. Lossing, T 14 ; p. 135. Scott, T 8-9 ; p. 170-.1.
Berard (Bush), T 60-62 ; p. 151-2. Quackenbos,T 31 1-16; p. 224-27. Thalheimer (Eclectic), T 239-4;
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),1[ 4; p.120. Ridpath, T 7-12 ; pp. 188-90. p. 134-5.
Goodrich, S. G., ^ 3-6; pp 211-212. Sadi ier (Excel), 2; p.184 Venable, T 134; p. 101.
Hassard, 5-8; p. 176-7. Stephens, A. H., ^ 4-7 ; p. 192.
16
214*
(I) junction* nmv |tm ||ovh
gjarlem iicirtltfo. lUljitc p Ini no.
NOTES.
Note I. — Clinton lands at Kipp’s Bay, September 15th, under cover of ships of war, indicated on
map, and disperses the brigades of Parsons and Fellows, which Washington attempts, in vain, to
rally. Three ships of war ascend the Hudson to Bloomingdale, to cut off retreat from New York.
(Map 1.)
Note II. — Howe sends troops to Buchanan Island (now Ward’s), and Montressor Island (now
Randall’s) ; also, beyond Flushing, to control outlet to Long Island Sound.
Note III. — Howe encounters Washington, near HARLEM HEIGHTS, Sept. 16th, greatly to
the credit of the Americans.
Note IV.— The British army, at Staten Island, Aug. 27th, numbered 31,625 men. The American
Army Return of Oct. 6.h, gives a total, rank and file, of 25,735 ; absent, sick or on furlough, 8,075.
Needed to complete regiments, 11,271. Knox’s artillery numbered 580, and Backus’ light horse 158.
Some regiments made no returns.
Note V. — Washington retired from Harlem to the main land ; left a garrison at Fort Washington ;
moved along the west side of the Bronx toward White Plains, to protect his supply depot, keep his
communication with New England, and foil the plan of Howe to shut him up between the East River
and the Hudson.
Note VI. — Howe leaves Percy at McGowan’s Pass, lands at Throgg’s Neck ; finds the passage to
the main land well guarded ; reembarks ; lands at Pell’s Point ; on the 16th and 17th, has a skirmish
beyond East Chester, at a stone fence ; passes New Rochelle* on the 21st, and goes into camp.
Note VII. — On the 22d, Knyphausen, having arrived from Europe, lands at Meyer’s Point ;
protects Howe’s base, and moves toward Fort Washington on the 28th, on which date Howe gains
a position at White Plains.
Note VIII. — Chatterton Hill, which commanded Howe’s camp, as well as White Plains, and
was occupied by McDougall and two guns of Capt. Alexander Hamilton, is stormed by Leslie and
Rahl on the 29th. British casualties, 231. American casualties, 130.
Note IX. — Howe waits for reinforcements ; loses one day, through a storm, and Washington
retiring, attains a strong position on North Castle Heights. Howe, thus foiled, crosses to the
Hudson River, at Dobbs Ferry, to operate against Fort Washington.
Note X. — The fight at Chatterton Hill is generally known as the “ Battle of White Plains,”
at which place there was no actual collision between the armies.
Ilcfmnccs:
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 228-234
Carrington’s Battles ; for other Detail?, pp. 214-242
Anderson, ! 35 ; p. 75.
Barnes, 1 1 ; p. 116.
Berard (Bush), ! 63 ; p. 153.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys), ! 5; p.
Goodrich, S. G., ! 1 ; p 213.
Hassard, *jj" 9; p. 178.
Holmes, T 21 ; p. 119.
Lossing, ! 18 ; p. 146.
Quackenbos,! 319; p. 229.
121. Ridpath, ! 21 ; p. 197.
Sadlier (Excel),! 4; p.187.
Stephens, A. H., ! 9 ; p. 193.
Swinton,! 115 ; p. 128.
Scott, ! 12 ; p. 171.
Thalheimer (Eclectic),!' 254-6;
p. 145-6.
Venable, ! 135 ; p. 102.
Carrington’s “ Battles of the American Revolution,” (White Plains,) pp. 234-242.
(Tajitnvc of f ovt Uloithtn^ton
NOVEMBER 16th, 1776
American (f ontmnnbcva
MAGAW
RAWLINGS CADWALLADER BAXTER MILLER
Strength, 2,764 Casualties 130 Surrendered, 2,634
Note. — Cadwallader was advanced southward to the old field-works near the Morris House, to
resist British approach from New York. Baxter and Miller occupied Laurel Hill and the site of
Fort George, overlooking Harlem River, to prevent the crossing of troops which approached from
the direction of William’s 'Bridge, on the east bank of that river.
Rawlings was on the Hudson River ridge, or bluff, northward, toward Kingsbridge. Fort Tryon
and Cock Hill Fort were small, advanced works, in the same direction, but designed chiefly to
command the Hudson River. Fort Washington itself, except the small redoubt, was open eastward,
and unprotected from artillery, which might be used from Laurel Hill.
gritteJt (fmnmanfccrc.
CORNWALLIS HOWE CLINTON
KNYPHAUSEN MATTHEWS RAHL PERCY STERLING
Strength, 9,000 Casualties, 454
Note. — One British column ascended the Harlem River, practically gained the rear of the works
held by Cadwallader, and compelled him to retreat, with the loss of 170 men taken prisoners.
Knyphausen and Rahl crossed at King’s Bridge, took the two small out-works in succession, followed
the Hudson River Heights, and thus were in the rear of Laurel Hill, making it untenable. This force
had been augmented by troops which ascended the Hudson in thirty flat boats, and eluded the vigi-
lance of Gen. Greene, then at Fort Lee, and Col. Magaw, and landed at Spuyten Duyvel Creek on
the night of Nov. 14th. The landing from the Harlem River, eastward, was resisted with vigor.
Baxter and Miller fell. Rawlings was wounded in the attack from the North.
A general assault compelled surrender. In storming the rear ascent, eastward, which was already
commanded by guns placed in position on Laurel Hill, the Hessian regiments of Rahl, Donop,
Losberg, Stein, Nesseaback and Dittforth lost 326 men. The great loss in tents and heavy guns
was severely felt by the American army.
Mem. — This Fort did not prevent the passage 0/ ships 0/ war up the Hudson , as had been expect-
ed, and its loss, except in men and materials 0/ war , did not permanently injure the American
cause. Its possession by the British , as an outpost of New York, continually required a garrison,
and the Americans maintained communication with New England, through forts higher up the
Hudson. The few incursions to Westchester had little effect on the war.
References :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 242-254.
School giistomisi :
Anderson, T 36 ; p. 76.
Barnes, T 1 ; p. 116.
Berard (Bush), f 66 ; p. 154.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),T 6; p. 121.
Goodrich, S. G., ^ 4-5 ; p. 213.
Hassard, ^ 4 ; p. 181.
Holmes, T 22 ; p. 120.
Lossing, T 20 : p. 147.
Quackenbos, T 323; p. 231.
Ridpath, l 23 ; p. 198.
Sadlier, (Excel), ^ 4 ; p. 187.
Stephens, A.H. -f 10; p. 194.
Swinton, T 116 ; p. 129.
Scott, T 14 ; p. 172*
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ 256 ;
p. 146-7.
Venable, ^ 136; p. 102.
25 i*
Tbo
(Trenton
The
Itattch
(inb
great
which
1ft riit t tit
Saldiers,
ttiaver^sed
W* IV HI
Statesmen
and
NOTES.
and
saved
Hew #et|sei);,
was
planned
and
Note. — General Charles Lee kept back his division of
troops, for selfish ends, although repeatedly ordered to
join Washington, and thus crippled his superior officer in
his movements.
Note 2. — Washington moved from Newtown, Decem-
ber 25th, to Taylorsville, 9 miles above Trenton, with
2,400 men, where he formed his two columns for the sur-
prise of Rahl.
Note 3. —General James Ewing was to cross below
Newtown with 547 men, to sieze the bridge across the As-
sinpink and cut off retreat to the South.
Widte^s
ed
the
®ld
Weatid,
executed,
with
Note 4. — Col. John Cadwallader was to cross at Bris-
tol, below Bordentown, where Donop’s Hessians were
stationed, and co-operate with Griffin, already East of the
Delaware, who was to occupy Donop’s attention from the
North.
paid
Tribute
Supreme
Note 5. — General Putnam was expected to cross at
Philadelphia with one thousand men.
Disaffection in that City prevented him.
te
Faith
in
Success,
Note 6. — The column of Washington alone effected a
timely crossing. Donop abandoned Bordentown after
a sharp skirmish with Griffin ; and on the 27th, Cadwal-
lader reached Bordentown with 1,800 men The ice pre-
vented the landing of his artillery on the 26th, and he
abandoned the attempt then made.
this
great
St^uhe
in spite ed
the
Treacher
Note 7. — The Map indicates the sub-division amd
march of Washington’s columns ; the advance of Corn-
wallis from Princeton, January 2d, 1777, when he
crowded Hand and Greene back upon Trenton ; also the
American march of January 3d, whereby Washington fell
upon the rear of the British Army, under Mawhood, at
Princeton.
ed
the
$,merkiean
ed
General
general
in
Charles Fee.
22
Ehief.
Rattle af ©nmtmt
DECEMBER 26th, 1776
^ntmmn (fomimtubcr
WASHINGTON
Strength, 2,400 Casualties, 2 killed, 3 wounded
Mem. — Among the wounded were Captain, afterwards Col. Washington, and Lieut, yames
Monroe, afterwards President Monroe. They were wounded while capturing two guns in front of
Rahl' s Headquarters , on King's St' eet.
Note. The two columns, advancing as indicated on previous map, respectively gained the head
and foot of King’s street, at 8 o’clock in the morning, after a hard march, through hail, sleet and rain,
in which many were frost bitten. Several died. The surprise of the Hessians was complete. Hand’s
rifleman, and the Virginia regiments of Scott and Lawson, prevented the escape of many, along the
Assinpink river.
grititfh (Tomimtubcr
RAHL
Strength, 1,400 Casualties, 40 Force surrendered, 1,009
Note. — Portions of Anspach and Knyphausen’s regiments, serving under Rahl, attempted to rally,
east of Queen street, but the lower town and the bridge across the Assinpink, had been seized by
Sullivan, Stark and St. Clair, and surrender was inevitable. The American guns at the head of King
and Queen streets commanded the situation.
ilcfcmuc 0 :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 270-278.
Anderson,.^ 39 ; p. 76.
Barnes, T 3 ; p. 117.
Berard (Bush), *[ 68; pp. 154-5.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys), 1 9, p. 122.
Goodrich, S. G.,1 1-7 ; p. 216.
Hassard, ^ 8 ; p. 182.
Holmes, If 23 ; p. 121.
Lossing, ^ 23 ; p. 128.
Quackenbos, *|f 326 ; p. 233.
Ridpath, ^f 26-7 ; p. 198-9.
Sadlier (Excel), 6 ; p. 188.
Stephens, A. H., 1 13 ; p. 195.
Swinton, ^ 123 ; p. 130.
Scott, T 18 ; p. 173.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ 259;
p. 147-
Venable, ^ 137 ; p. 104.
gt attic of Jlrhuctan
JANUARY 3d, 1777
WASHINGTON, then entrenched on the east bank of the Assinpink (Trenton) river, leaving the
bridge guarded and camp fires burning, made a forced march to extricate his army from an impending
conflict with Cornwallis, who had hurried from Brunswick on the defeat of Rahl, to attack the Ameri-
can army. Col. Mawhood, commanding the British rear-guard, had left Princeton, when he saw the
American vanguard under Mercer enter the town. He returned and attacked with vigor. Mercer fell,
but the British were repulsed with a loss of 100 in killed and wounded, and 230 prisoners. The Ameri-
can casuahtes exceeded 100.
Washington restored temporary confusion which occurred on the fall of Mercer, by personal ex-
posure and great bravery. He gained a strong position among the hills, in the rear of Cornwallis, and
thereby forced the British army back to New Brunswick and New York. New Jersey was, for the
time, delivered from British control.
|U‘fmucco :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 284-294.
Jkltaal
Anderson, ^ 43 ; p 78. Holmes, 1 ; p. 123. Swinton, ^f 124 ; p. 130.
Barnes, ^ 1 ; p. 118. Lossing, K 5 ; p. 151 Scott, If 2 ; p. 179.
Berard (Bush), T 82-3 ; p. 158-9. Quackenbos, If 327 ; p. 234-5. Thalheimer (Eclectic), T 260;
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys) 10; p. 123. Ridpath, ^f 1-4 ; p. 201. p. 147-8.
Goodrich. S. G., If 1-7 ; p. 217-18. Sadlier (Excel.), ^ 8 ; p. 188. Venable, ^ 137 ; p. 105.
Hassard, ^ 11 ; p. 183. Stephens, A. H., ^f 15 ; p. 196.
24
(Alterations in |jetit Jersen
^ntevieon Comnutnbers
GREENE WASHINGTON SULLIVAN
LAFAYETTE, LEE, STIRLING, MAXWELL
Mem. — New Jersey was the strategic battle-ground of the war , and was more generally over-
run by the British army than any other Colony , except South Carolina.
gritisH (fomnmn&ers
CLINTON HOWE CORNWALLIS
KNYPHAUSEN, GRANT, DONOP, RAHL
Note. — The following places are identified with military operations :
Fort Lee,
Hackensack,
New Brunswick,
Trenton,
Princeton,
Bound Brook,
Cranbury,
Bordentown,
Burlington,
Baskinridge,
Kingston,
Maidenhead,
Pluckamen,
Morristown,
Middlebrook,
Mt. Holly,
Imlaystown,
Plainfield,
Chatham,
Somerset C. H.,
Hightstown,
Dumbarton,
Pennington,
Elizabeth,
Hillsborough,
Gloucester,
Metuchen,
Newark,
Piscataway,
Quibbletown,
Samptown,
Millington,
Sandtown,
Crosswicks,
Monmouth,
Haddenfield,
Red Bank,
Englishtown,
Summerville,
Westfield,
Woodbridge,
Allentown,
Springfield,
Scotch Plains,
Bonhampton,
Middletown,
Rahway,
South Amboy,
Perth Amboy,
Billingsport,
Middlebrook.
Paulus Hook.
The issue between Washington and Howe was one of careful strategy. This was solved, in 1777,
by Howe’s failure to entangle Washington in any action which imperilled American liberty. The
contest is briefly noticed.
gerntfc Item 3 1* vs cm Campitt0tt
On the 13th of June, 1777, Howe marched from Brunswick to Princeton with 17,000 men. Corn-
wallis, with the right column, was directed to Hillsborough, and De Heister to Middlebrook, turning
off from the Princeton Road, and the line was definitely prolonged to Somerset Court House, as indi-
cated on the map. Howe threatened Philadelphia, hoping that Washington would risk a general
engagement in its behalf. The New Jersey militia were posted on Lowland Hill, near Flemington, to
which place Sullivan had withdrawn from Princeton.
Washington ordered all the Continental troops, then at Peekskill, except 1,000 men, to join him.
He also strengthened the right wing of his position at Middlebrook, by redoubts. He argued, that
Howe did not intend to cross the Delaware river because his baggage, boats and bridges had been left
at Brunswick. On the 19th Howe found that he could not draw Washington from his strong position,
and returned to Brunswick.
Maxwell was at once sent forward to take position between Brunswick and Amboy, to cut off
detached parties or baggage, while Greene was sent with three brigades to follow the river and attack
their rear, so soon as they should leave the post. Stirling joined Maxwell, and Greene pursued as far
as Piscataway. Washington moved his army to Quibbletown, and Stirling was placed in advance,
at Metuchen.
On the 26th, Howe resumed the offensive, and advanced to Scotch Plains and Westfield. Corn-
wallis marched, via Woodbridge, at 7 A. M. with the right wing, and Howe with the left wing, ap-
proached Metuchen Meeting House, expecting that Cornwallis would gain the passes to Middlebrook.
Four battalions, with six guns, were also sent to Bonhampton to threaten the American right wing.
Cornwallis had hardly passed through Woodbridge when he was confronted with Stirling ; but, by
superior artillery, crowded him back as far as Westfield and Plainfield, capturing three guns, and
inflicting upon Stirling a loss of 200 men, at the cost of not more than 70. Maxwell retired without
loss. Washington at once comprehended the whole movement, recovered the passes to his old post,
before Cornwallis, who had been delayed by Stirling, could reach them, and Howe, who had threatened
his front, in favor of the movement of Cornwallis, was /oiled.
On the afternoon of the 27th, Cornwallis left Westfield, passed through Sampton, and joined
Howe. On the 30th, Howe regained Staten Island, and closed his military career in New Jersey.
26
332*
(tampaign
From JUNE 20th to OCT. 19th, 1777
British (Tummaubn*
BURGOYNE
Strength, 7,863.
Notes. On the 20th o£ June, 1777, Burgoyne established his preliminary camp at Boquet River,
and on the 21st held a conference with Indian auxiliaries, engaged by him, under direction of Lord
Germaine, but against his own judgment.
The army left Crown Point, to which it had advanced on the 30th, in three divisions. The British
infantry, grenadiers and 24th Foot, with Canadians, Indians and ten guns, marched down the west
shore and encamped four miles from Ticonderoga. The German reserve and Hessian troops followed
the east shore. Burgoyne accompanied the fleet.
(fmmmutbns
SCHUYLER. ST. CLAIR GATES
Strength, 3,446, including Militia.
Notes. The first British objective was the capture of Ticonderoga. Abridge of boats com-
municated with Fort Independence. A boom of heavy logs and sunken timbers was deemed sufficient
to prevent the passage of ships into South River. The Americans neglected to fortify Sugar Loaf Hill,
deeming it inaccessible.
The investment began July 1st. During the night of July 4th, the British occupied Sugar Loaf
Hill, south of the fort, commanding it, and named the new position, Fort Defiance. Riedesel also ex-
tended his lines, so as nearly to enclose Fort Independence. The fort became untenable. During the
night of the 5th of July, the Americans started 220 batteaux, under Col. Long, for Skenesborough,
with their surplus supplies and invalid troops.
At 3 A. M., July 6, when the retreat was well begun, a burning house at Mount Independence ex-
posed the movement to the besiegers. General St. Clair had already started toward Castleton. Genl.
Phillips sent Fraser in pursuit, and joined Burgoyne, who took shipping through South River for
Skenesborough. Riedesel put a garrison in Fort Independence and followed Fraser. The British sea-
men cut through the bridge, and the fleet landed its troops at Skenesborough, shortly after Col. Long
had landed and started for Fort Ann, n miles to the south.
On the 7th, Col. Long had a sharp engagement with Lieut. -Col. Hill and Major Forbes, near Fort
Ann ; but, being compelled to retreat, burned the fort and retired to Fort Edward.
The British moved their heavy guns, by water, to Fort George, while Burgoyne halted at Skenes-
borough, and the left wing under Fraser and Riedesel pursued St. Clair.
Rcfcvcitcci* :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 301-312.
Anderson, T 57 ; p. 81.
Barnes, ^ 1 ; p. 121.
Berard (Bush), 1 73 ; p. 156.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys) ^ 18; p. 126
Goodrich, S. G., T 4 ; p. 224.
Hassard, 1 5 ; p. 191.
Holmes, 1 5 ; p. 125.
Lossing, T 18 ; p. 157.
Quackenbos, T 334 ; p. 240.
Ridpath, T 12 ; p. 202-3.
Sadlier (Excel.), 1 9 ; p. 189.
Stephens. A. H., ^ 21 ; p. ig
Swinton, ^ 142 ; p. 134.
Scott, 12 ; p. 184.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ 262 ;
p. 150.
Venable, T 140 ; p. 106-7.
28
312*
guttle of DtibbavMott
Note. — General St. Clair, retreating from Ticonderoga, hastened toward Castleton, which he
reached by night, July 6th. He left Col. Seth Warner with 150 men at Hubbardton, to collect strag-
glers and await the arrival of Col. Francis, who left Mount Independence with the rear guard of the
American army at four o’clock in the morning. Col. Francis, being joined at Hubbardton by Col.
Hale, and thus having a force of nearly 1,300 men, determined to give battle. He attacked Fraser as
soon as his pursuing columns appeared, before they could select their ground, and by use of fallen trees
and other cover, made an effective attack. The precipitate retreat of Hale (then an invalid) left Francis
and Warner but nine hundred men, just when Riedesel and Earl Balcarras arrived with their battalions,
and entered into the action with vigor, band playing, and confident of success.
Stedman ( British author) says : “ The Americans maintained their post with great resolution
and bravery.” The reenforcements did not arrive so soon as expected, and victory was for a long time
The wide dispersion of the fugitives in the woods, after Col. Francis fell, when resistance became
hopeless, induced an excessive estimate of the American casualties.
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 214-242
JULY 7th, 1776
JUttevtattt ©mtummlw
FRANCIS
Strength, 1.300 Casualties, 360
FRASER
Strength, 1,400 Casualties, 203
doubtful.
Krfmucco :
Anderson, 58 ; p. 82.
Barnes, T — ; p. — .
Berard (Bush), 1 74 ; p. 156.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys), ^ 19;
Goodrich, S. G., f 4 ; p 224.
Ilassard, 6; p. 191.
Quackenbos,T 334; p. 24r’.
1; p.127. Ridpath, ^f 12; p.203.
Sadlier (Excel), T — ; p. — .
Stephens, A. H., If zt. ; p. 198.
Holmes, \ — ; p. — .
Lossing, T 18 ; p. 157.
Swinton, ^f — ; p. — .
Scott, ^ 12 ; p. 184.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^f 5 ;
P- iS9-
Venable, ^f 140 ; p. 107.
(bf/ijPl/tY/ and JJ/rmn 6y did fiirrf/eg/o/i.
C. Positions taken hyJTrazer’s Corps,
in deployment, lo resist attach.
D. Earl ofBalearras detached, lo
covcrjlight It'irig of British Army.
D. Cent Jleidcsel with Vat t guard 8^
Brunswick Chasseurs, supporting
Left Jiing.
i • * American position, after arrival
of IfeideseL
( i - Be treat of Jhnericans.
I !• British position, after the action.
I . House used as Ifospital.
Rattle of jScmtutptou
AUGUST 1 6th, 1777
American (fmitmanber
STARK
Strength, 1,450 Casualties, 84
£riti$lt (fommanbcv
BAUME
Strength, 550 Casualties, 207.
Americans take 600 prisoners, including Tories
Mem. — ( The battle of Bennington resulted from an attempt made by Burgoyne to secure flour
and other supplies, which a loyalist , Major Skene, had reported to be collected at that place. The
route from Skenesborough to Fort Edward , on the Hudson river , had been so obstructed by felled
timber and broken bridges , by order of Gen. Schuyler , that Burgoyne did not reach that post until
July -3,0th , and his army already experienced a scarcity of provisions.
Notes. — On the nth of August, Lt. Col. Baume was started from Batten Kill, with 550 men to
capture the stores. On the 14th he had a skirmish at Van Schaik’s mill, where he destroyed some
flour, and wrote to Burgoyne that a force of fifteen to eighteen hundred men was reported to be at
Bennington. Meanwhile, loyalists, with and without arms, were joining him, to share in the plunder
of the expedition. He advanced the same day, within four miles of Bennington ; but, upon assurances
that the Americans were in force, he entrenched upon a wooded hill at a bend of the Walloomschoick
river, placed a detachment of Rangers at the river crossing, and one of Loyalists on a knoll at the
fo ked reads, in front of the crossing, and awaited attack, or reenforcements.
On the 15th, at 8 A. M., Lt. Col. Breyman received orders, and, at 9 o’clock, left Burgoyne’s head-
quarters with reenforcements, viz. : 500 men and two guns. Heavy rain retarded the column, limitirg
the advance to less than a mile an hour. On the same day Col. Warner left Manchester for Benning-
ton, where he halted one day, to rest the men and dry their arms and equipments. With the arrival
of Col. Symonds, the Americans numbered nearly two thousand men.
On the 16th, Stark, without waiting for the entire command to be ready, advanced against the
enemy. Stickney cut off the detachment at the bridge. Hubbard dispersed the small force in front
of the bridge. Herrick attacked the British Grenadiers, who were posted near the Saratoga road, on
the British right, while Nichols turned Baume’s left. Stark, himself, ascended the face of the hill and
stormed the breastworks. The Indian allies deserted Baume at the first attack, and by four o’clock
the battle was over. The British lost in killed, 207, and in prisoners, including loyalists or tories, not
far from 600.
Lt. Col. Breyman arrived and opened fire with his guns, while the Americans, widely dispersed,
were collecting the trophies of the field. The failure of Breyman’s artillery ammunition, and the
timely arrival of Col. Warner with his fresh regiment, completed the victory at Bennington.
Bcf mures :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 327-334.
School 1
Anderson, ^ 62 ; p. 83. Holmes, T 7 ; p. 126.
Barnes, I2; p. 123. Lossing, 1 20 : p. 158.
Berard (Bush), 1 76 ; p. 157. Quackenbos, T 338; p. 242-3.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),*f 19; p. 127. Ridpath, 1 13 ; p. 203.
Goodrich, S. G., 1 1-7 ; p. 226. Sadlier, (Excel), T 2 ; p. 191.
Hassard, ! 12-13 ; p. 194. Stephens, A.H. 1 26; p. 200.
Swinton, T 145 ; p. 134.
Scott, t6 ; p. 186.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ 264 ,
P- 15* ;
Venable, *[ 140; p. 17.
Note. — The invasion by Burgoyne had support from a movement into Central New York via
Oswego, under St. Leger, against Fort Schuyler.
Its object was to reach Albany by the Mohawk Valley, in the rear of the American army. The
“ Battle of Oriskany’’ was fought; General Herkimer was wounded and, the American casualties were
nearly 400. Col. Marinus Willett held the fort, with success ; and the approach of Arnold to its relief
induced St. Leger to give up the siege, which he began with assurance of success. General Schuyler
planned the relief from this attack, provided for the detail of Learned and Arnold for the purpose,
and the result vindicated his own expectations, and those of Washington.
Carrington's “ Battles of the American Revolution f pp. 324-5.
32
A. 7?ei(7cs<'7sJfyr/f/oo/?s. B. Rzi/t/ers.
il. American ibianieers, Pe/ers Ce/nmarufoty
J>. German GrmadTenr. E. CYiasseurs
F. /rouses occupied 6y Gfr/wdia/is
G. American Jvrces.
334*
(&S&5
^ attic nf fvcmans farm
SEPTEMBER 17th, 1777
JUttericmt (Tommanbcv*
MORGAN GATES POOR
LIVINGSTON LEARNED ARNOLD DEARBORNE
Strength, 3,500. Casualties, 321
AMERICAN POSITION. — Gates succeeded Schuyler, August 19th, 1777, and established his
camp, four miles north of Stillwater, and twenty-four above Albany, on the west bank of the Hudson
river, at a point selected by Kosciusko, then Engineer in the American service. The position was
strong, and adequately armed.
gntteh (Tammanbcvs
FRASER, RIEDESEL, BURGOYNE BALCARRAS, PHILLIPS
HANAU, HUMPHREYS, ANSTRUTHER, HAMAGE
JONES, KINGSTON, FORBES
BRITISH POSITION. — As early as August 14th, a bridge of rafts had been thrown over the
river at Saratoga, where Gen. Burgoyne made his headquarters, in preparation for an advance upon
Albany. This bridge was carried away by a rise of the Hudson, but was replaced by a bridge of
boats, by which, on the 13th and 14th of September, the entire British army crossed. On the 15th,
the army moved to Dovegat (Coveville), and on the 17th, encamped within about four miles of the
American lines.
NOTES.
Note I.— Skirmishing occurred between the two armies on the 18th, and on the 19th Burgoyne
advanced, in three columns, to attack the American position Six companies of the 47th Regiment
guarded camp. The right wing , under Fraser, with the 9th and 24th Regiments, the British grena-
diers, the Rangers and Canadians, moved west, then south, and had a sharp skirmish near the spot
where Fraser was killed Oct. 8th. This wing then moved east, toward Freeman’s Farm, to aid the
centre. The centre, under Burgoyne, including 62d and 20th Regiments, moved southward, and de-
ployed westward, on the road, and waited for Fraser to complete his longer march and gain the position
assigned him on the right, and, also, for the left to gain its designated position. The left wing , under
Phillips and Riedesel, moved down the river bank, and then westward, to support the centre, but did
not arrive until it was hotly engaged.
Note II. — The Americans early took the offensive. Upon Arnold’s advice, Gates ordered him to
send Morgan’s Riflemen and Dearborne’s Light Infantry from his division, to oppose the Bi itish right ,
which attempted to turn the American left. The movement was timely and successful. The Cana-
dians were driven back, and both Americans and British, during the conflict, moved eastward, until
they took part in the general engagement, which centered about Freeman’s Farm, by four o’clock in
the afternoon. At this time the whole of Arnold’s division was engaged with the British right wing ;
and, as the Americans received reenforcements, it required the timely arrival of the Hessian column,
with artillery, to resist their impetuous assaults.
The American left , at one time, advanced beyond the farm-house, which Karl Balcarrashad forti-
fied, and attempted to turn the position of the 02d Regiment. The 9th (reserve) came to its relief.
The 20th and 62d Regiments were almost destroyed.
Note III. — This action left both parties worn out, for the day. The British centre, under Burgoyne,
1 , too men, had half its force killed or wounded through their desperate charges. Jones’ battery (four
guns) lost 36 out of 48 men. Sergeant Lamb says, in his Journal : “ The conflict was dreadful ; for
four hours a constant blaze of fire was kept up, and both armies seemed determined on death or
victory.”
1 he American casualties were 65 killed, 218 wounded and 38 missing. Morgan’s Riflemen were
especially active, while the regiments of Cillery, Scammel, Hale, Van Cortland, H. B. Livingston,
Cook and Latimer, with Dearborne’s Light Infantry, all of Arnold’s division, vied with those of Bailey,
Wesson, Jackson and James Livingston, in the contest.
jgfcfmm** :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,
.irtwol IPhone# :
pp. 335-346.
Anderson, if 64 ; p. 84.
Barnes, If 2 ; p. 123.
Berard (Bush), if 78; p. 157.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys), iT 22, p. 128.
Goodrich, S. G., if — ; p. — .
Hassard, if 15 ; p. 195.
Holmes, if 9 ; p. 126-7.
Lossing, if 22 ; p. 159.
Quackenbos, if 342 ; p. 244
Ridpath, if 15 ; p. 204. p. 152.
Sadlier (Excell, ifn-12; p. 191. Venable, if 19 ;
Stephens, A. H., if 28 • p. 201.
Swinton, if 148 ; p. 135.
Scott, if 18 ; p. 187.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), if 265 ;
108.
34
i -
£ Jc3L-:
I L*-
^ 1, l t f^i. j (£J^. < ' - *_~ 1 M (ji i %, -e *_ <> ^ * ~ '’||
,L «- • ;*-_ «- i-iifc ^Mf,Sl’ ft
iii £= -i^~c~^ ~~ ^ * v *
w»r'- $ 1 ■*- *- _ _ ••: ~-r ~ i -£=— *._._t.' a vgy-^*, -'<■?►>, -4\i®
t-t 4i ■(,-♦- 1 1- c*: £«.;
aj $ 4. ^l. Miraoi/nes ^and__ s -_ - - 5- h V- 1- *-~^~'
♦ - - - - -4.-:^is^4.' * t.t-.\T» -tJk» \ ,
^ Vl-^ w.
*. _' «,' £- <t; :<t
'1--'
Comp fled v/rd Promt jyfltl (drfltt/flt/t, .lif
all* ^
, UBLIC
$ attic of Mentis i) eights
OCTOBER 7th, 1777
^jumnm (t<n«mitnbn$
MORGAN LEARNED GATES POOR NIXON
DEARBORNE, ARNOLD, (Volunteer,) LIVINGSTON, TENBROECK,
gtittelt (f mumitubns
RIEDESEL BURGOYNE FRASER
DeHEISTER BALCARRAS ACKLAND
Note I — Burgoyne, with provisions scarce and army wasting, made a desperate effort, with 1,500
men and ten guns, to turn the American left and gain its rear.
Note II. — Gates, equally prompt, started troops, under Col. Brooks, to move around the British
right.
Note III. — The British line formed on the Heights (see map, for details of formation), was
attacked furiously by Morgan, Learned, Poor, Dearbone and Tenbroeck. Arnold, although relieved
by Lincoln, who had arrived on the 29th of September, dashed on, with his old command, regardless of
restraint.
Note IV. — The British artillery, which, at first, fired over the assailing column, was speedily over-
run by the swift charge. Fraser fell, while rallying the broken line. Patterson and Glover bring up
their columns. The British order a general retreat. Balcarras still holds Freeman’s Farm ; but the
American troops sweep on, and storm the works held by Breyman. He is killed, and Arnold is wounded
as he enters the redoubt, from the north. The regiments of Wesson and Livingston were among the
most active in the final assault.
Note V — The long delayed promotion of Arnold was promptly made by the American Congress.
Note VI. — The British casualties exceeded 500. The American casualties were not more than
150. Sir Francis Clark died from wounds received, and Major Ackland, also wounded, became a prisoner,
as well as Major Williams.
Note VII. — The British army retired to (present) Schuylersville, crossed the Fishkill.and carefully
entrenched its camp, leaving their old camp on the 8th, at night.
|trf error?* :
Carrington’s “ Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 345-350.
School
Anderson, C5 ; p. 84.
Barnes, 1 ; p. 124.
Berard (Bush), \ 80; p. 158.
Goodrich, C.A. (Seaveys), T 22, p. 128.
Goodrich, S. G., T — ; p. — .
Hassard, T 18 ; p. T95.
Holmes, 9 ; p. 126-7.
Lossing, T 22 ; p. 159.
Quackenbos, T 344 ; p. 246,
Ridpath, 16 ; p. 204.
Sadlier (Excel), Tn-12; p. 191. Venable, T 19 ; p.
Stephens, A. H., ^ 29 ; p. 201.
Swinton, ^ 149 ; p. 135.
Scott, T 18 ; p. 187.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), 266 ;
p. 152.
09.
36
Suvvcutrcr of Bmiioiinc
OCTOBER 19th, 1777
JUumnut (Toimmutbcv!*
NIXON MORGAN GATES LINCOLN BROOKS
LEARNED, DEARBORNE, GLOVER, PATTERSON, POOR
Strength, . 18,624
Detached, 3,875
Sick 622
Absent, . 731
Present Oct, 16th, 13,216
Regulars present, 9,093
$ rit! sit (Emu mat! b n s
BUEGOYIE
DeHEISTER, RIEDESEL, SPECHT, BALCARRAS, PHILLIPS
Force Surrendered, 5,763.
Note. — The Americans occupied the east bank of the Hudson in force ; established a battery of
five guns above the bridge of boats ; cut off all retreat northward ; supplies were exhausted, and sur-
render ensued. The prisoners of war were sent to Cambridge, Mass., and Rutland, Vt., and after-
ward, during the winter of 1778, were marched 700 miles, to Charlottsville, Va. Madame Riedesel
accompanied her husband. The descendants of many of these soldiers survive in Virginia.
jgtefemtr*# :
Carrington's “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 345-355-
School :
Anderson, T 66 ; p. 84.
Barnes, 1 ; p. 125.
Berard (Bush), 80; p. 158.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys) 1 23; p. 128.
Goodrich, S. G., T 5 ; P- 230.
Hassard, 19 ; p. 195.
Holmes, 1 9 ; p. 126-7.
Lossing, T 22 ; p. 159.
Quackenbos, 5T 345 ; P- 248.
Ridpath, T 17 ; p. 224.
Sadlier (Excel.), T — ; p. — .
Stephens, A. H., ^[30; p. 202
Swinton, 150 ; p. 135-6.
Scott, *f 19 ; p. 187-8.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ 266 ;
p. 152.
Venable, T 19; p. 109.
38
•^Capture of
CLINTON and MONTGOMERY
OCTOBER 6th, 1777
Gen. James Clinton Gen. George Clinton (Governor)
Mem — Gen. Putnam in Command at Peekskill.
pvttteh Cummunfrcr*
vaughan Sir HEi^EY CLINTON tryon
EMERICK ROBINSON TRUMBACH CAMPBELL
Note I. — Clinton lands at Verplanck’s Point, Oct 5th, and sends ships to Peekskill (see map) to
threaten that post and draw attention from the river. A large force, in forty flatboats, also threatened
Fort Independence.
Note II. — Putnam retires to high ground, to avoid being taken in rear.
Note III. — On Oct. 6th, Clinton lands at Stony Point, favored by a heavy fog; leaves a strong
rearguard, and sends two divisions, simultaneously to attack Forts Clinton and Montgomery.
Note IV. — Vaughan, with 1,200 men, and Tryon, with the 7th Regiment and Trumbach’s Hes-
sians, having passed behind Dunderberg Mountain unobserved, halt and take lodgment in a tavine to
the right, and near Fort Clinton, to give the advance column of 500 regulars and 400 Provincials, under
Campbell and Robinson, full time to make its detour and gain a position before Fort Montgomery.
Note V. — Governor Clinton, who superintended the defense of both forts, learned, on the evening
of the 5th, that British troops were between King’s Ferry and Dunderberg ; and two parties, each
with a gun, were sent from Fort Montgomery to resist Campbell’s advance. A messenger was also
sent to advise Putnam of the situation.
Note VI. — The detachment, sent out, was too late to seize the pass, and both forts were stormed,
after a vigorous defense, which continued from five in the afternoon, until dark.
Note VII. — The American casualties were about 300, including 227 prisoners. General James
Clinton was wounded by a bayonet, but escaped to the mountains ; and General Clinton escaped by
crossing the river.
Note VIII. — The British casualties were 40 killed and 150 wounded. Lieut.-Col. Campbell wa-
killed in the assault of Fort Montgomery. Count Grabowski, Aide-de-camp of Clinton, Majors Sill
and Grant, and Capt. Stewart, were also killed.
Note IX. — Two frigates were burned to save their capture by the British; the boom across the
river was destroyed; Putnam retired to Fishkill ; and Esopus (Kingston) was burned by the British,
under Vaughan, before Sir Henry Clinton returned to New York, there to learn of Burgoyne’s di aster
Reference* :
Carrington's “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 355-362
School Pi :
Anderson, 67 ; p. 84. Holmes, ^ — ; p. — .
Barnes, — ; p. — . Lossing, ^ 24 ; p. 160.
Berard (Bush), ^ 81 ; p. 158. Quackenbos,^[ — ; p. — .
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys), ^ 24; p.izS, Ridpath, *if — ; p. — ■.
Goodrich, S. G., 8 ; p 230. Sad' ier (Excel), ^ — : p. — .
Hassard, Tf 17; p. 195. Stephens, A. H., ^ — ; p. — .
Swinton, — ; p. — .*
Scott, T 20 ; p. 188.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ — ;
p. — .
Venable, 19 ; p. no.
40
Colonel Wl/eli with
yW men, a/lemiu
. tof/vss^e rihgt
i
lontgonu
learHilC
lalleys unde?
PirJamesTi
mercury . furfur
Preston
Com?3otka y
lAfr *
Tfoojis landed Oct 6 1
Transports-
Petamngfmto occupy fr
fe— and hreserye commum
^^rrttk t1i£fleetJM
Parsons /
Corn piled and Brawn hy Col Carrmytm
guttle of $ra«bu«mtc
SEPTEMBER nth, 1777
JUttmmu (fmmmmfrn**
•sullivan WASHINGTON Stirling
GREENE MUHLENBERG MAXWELL WAYNE STEPHEN
Nominal Strength; 14,000 Effective force, 11,000 Casualties, 78c.
AMERICAN DISPOSITIONS. Washington, then in New Jersey, alike watchful of the Hud-
son, New York City and the large fleet near Staten Island, quickly marched to Pennsylvania, when the
fleet sailed southward ; left a sufficient force to observe Clinton, passed Philadelphia, and on the 7th of
September took a position at Newport, on the east bank of Clay Creek. (See map 22, p. 49L Max-
well had previously skirmished with the British vanguard at Newark, as they advanced from Elk Creek.
Early on the gth, in order to foil an attempt of Howe to gain his rear and cut him off from Philadelphia,
Washington again marched, and took a position selected by Gen. Greene, on the east bank of the
Brandywine. The American army formed, from Jones’ Ford to Pyle’s Ford, from right to left, as fol-
lows : Stirling, Stephen, Sullivan (under Sullivan), Wayne. Muhlenberg, Weedon, Armstrong (Greene
commanding), and Washington, behind the centre, with a small reserve.
KNYPHAUSEN HOWE CORNWALLIS
GRANT MATTHEWS GREY AGNEW STIRN
Strength, 18,000 Casualties, 600.
BRITISH DISPOSITIONS. Howe landed at Head of Elk Creek August 25th, skirmished
with Maxwell Sept. 3d, threatened Washington’s right on the 8th, and on the 10th reached Kennett
Square. Sharp skirmishes occurred on the right, and before Chad’s Ford (the centre) with American
light troops under Porterfield, Wagner and Maxwell, who had crossed the river for the purpose.
Howe moved at night, and by a detour of 17 miles, crossed the two forks of the Brandywine, re-
peating the movement made on Long Island, and carefully formed the divisions of Cornwallis, Agnew,
Matthews and Grey, in three lines, in rear of the American Army, on and before Osborne’s Hill, facing
the position, hurriedly taken by Sullivan, when advised of the British advance.
fliwiopjtmtt t\u JUtiiro
Washington sent Sullivan, with three divisions, to occupy the hill near Birmingham Meeting House
and resist Howe ; put Wayne in command at Chad’s Ford to oppose Knyphausen, and formed Muhlen-
berg and Weedon’s brigades, as a reserve, under Greene, with which he took his own position.
Howe and Knyphausen forced the positions they respectively threatened, after much fighting, and
the entire army fell back slowly, covered by Washington and Greene, to Dilworth and Chester, without
panic or sacrifice, reaching Chester at midnight. Howe remained on the field, in charge of the wounded
of both armies. Cornwallis reached Chester on the 13th. Washington refitted his army at Phila-
delphia, moved up the Schuylkill, crossed at Swedes’ Ford and offered Howe battle, at Westchester
(September 15th), Storms separated the armies.
Mem. {Among the wounded at Brandywine was Lafayette , who served as a volunteer aid-de-
camp , under his commission as Major General , then just conferred by Congress.
gfcfmtttt* :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolutjon,” pp. 368-381.
Anderson, ^ 50 ; p. 79.
Barnes, ? 3 ; p. 1x9.
Berard (Bush), 83-g ; p. 163-1.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),*f 14; p.
Goodrich, S. G., 3-5 ; p. 221.
Hassard, 11-12 ; p. 188-9.
jlcltcrol Pi$'t0vk£:
Holmes, 10 ; p. 128.
Lossing, T 13 : p. 154.
Quackenbos, T 346; p. 249.
;. Ridpath, 19 ; p. 205.
Sadlier, (Excel), 14 ; p. 192.
Stephens, A.H. ^ 31; p. 202.
Swinton, 135 ; P- 132.
Scott, «f 8 ; p. 182.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ 263 ;
p. 151 ; Note 2, p. 158.
Venable, 143 ; p. in.
382*
Rattle of (•mimuttoum
OCTOBER 4th, 1777
Jtaterfottt (fmmmtnbns
Sullivan WASHINGTON greene
KNOX, WAYNE, STEPHEN, SCOTT, ARMSTRONG
SMALLWOOD, FORMAN, MAXWELL, NASH, MUHLENBERG
Strength, 7,000 Casualties, 1,073
Mem. — Germantown , six miles from Philadelphia , and Headquarters of Howe, was then , as
now , mainly on one street , not quite straight , which crossed Chestnut Hill , AT A A iry, and the hill
at Chew' s House , with gradual descent to the Market House.
gnttelt GTmummbn**
GREY, KNYPHAUSEN HOWE AGNEW, STIRN
Note I. — In view of the extended distribution of Howe’s army, having the left on the Schuylkill
and thence deployed nearly parallel with Old School Lane, east and north-east, across the main street,
Washington attempted to strike the whole line by a combined movement of his chief divisions. His
army was near Pennebecker’s Mill, about 20 miles from Philadelphia. Four roads were used. The march
began at 7 P. M., Oct. 3d. The plan was for Sullivan, with Wayne and Conway, to lead over Chestnut
Hill into the village, supported by Maxwell and Nash, under Stirling ; for Armstrong to threaten the
British left ; for Greene, with Stephen and McDougall, to move by the Limekiln road, and strike the
British right near the Market Place, and for Smallwood and Forman to fall into the old York road, and
strike the extreme British right, and rear. The advance was prompt, and the surprise promised suc-
cess. Washington accompanied Sullivan’s division. Col. Musgrave, of the 40th Regiment (British)
threw himself into the Chew House, and Knox in vain opened his light guns to dispossess the defenders.
At Lucan’s Mill a sharp action delayed the left, and a dense fog so commingled the combatants and
confused operations, that prisoners taken were retaken, and the army was forced to retreat, but in good
order, while Howe retired to Philadelphia.
Note II. — American casualties were 673, including Gen. Nash and 400 prisoners. British casual-
ties were 535, including Gen. Agnew.
Note III. — Count de Vergennes , Minister of Foreign Affairs , Paris , said, “ Nothing has
struck me so much as Gen. Washington' s attacking and giving battle to Gen. Howe's Army. To
bring troops, raised within the year, to do this, promises everything, Louis XVI. promptly coupled
this with the Burgoyne campaign, and determined “ Not only to acknowledge, but to support American
independence.”
PcfViTtuTo :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 302-401.
School :
Anderson, T 52 ; p. 80. Holmes, 1 n ; p. 129.
Barnes, 2; p. 120. Lossing, ^ 17 ; p. 156.
Berard (Bush), T gr; p. 162. Quackenbos, T 348 ; p. 250.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),T 16, p. 125-6. Ridpath, T 21 ; p. 206.
Goodrich, S. G.,T 1-6; p. 234-5. Sadlier (Excel), T 15 ; p. 193.
Hassard, T 14 ; p. 189. Stephens, A. H., T 31 ; p. 202.
Swinton, T 137 ; p. 133.
Scott, T9; p. 182-3.
Thalheimer (Eclectic),
p. 151, p. 158, Note.
Venable, T *44 1 P- ITO-
T 263;
44
(I)fjet*rtturo* m the ^Muttntri
Note I.— FORT MIFFLIN, on Mud Island, and FORT MERCER, at Red Bank, with
Chevaux de /rise at Billings Island and Mud Island, and a redoubt at Billingsport, were the chief
obstructions to British operations on the Delaware River, near Philadelphia.
Note II. — Col. Green, brave at Bunker Hill and at Quebec, commanding Fort Mercer, so suc-
cessfully resisted an assault, Oct. 22d, 1777, that the attacking Hessian column lost 400 men, including
Col. Donop, the commander, and Lieut. -Col. Minnigerode.
Note III. — On the 10th of November, 1777, Fort Mifflin was defended bravely, until, after a loss
of 250 men, the remnant of the garrison retired to Fort Mercer. On the 15th, Lieut. -Col. Smith and
Major Fluery, the engineer who planned the works, were wounded. The British loss was 13 killed
and 24 wounded.
Note IV. — Col. Sterling (British) occupied Billingsport Oct. 1st, and on the 18th Cornwallis landed
at the same point. The Americans thereupon abandoned Fort Mercer, and being unable to save their
armed vessels, set fire to them, near Gloucester Point, and the British gained control of the river.
Note V. — Hon. J. W. Wallace, President of the Pennsylvania Historical Society, brought out
clearly, in 1881, the fact that the very man who planted the obstructions in the Delaware, deserted to
Lord Howe, and guided his boats in their removal ; so that the ships of war which gained such unex-
pected access to Fort Mifflin, at the time of its capture, secured it by treason.
Note VI. — Among the British ships which shared in the attack upon Fort Mifflin, are to be
recognized the SOMERSET, the ROEBUCK and the PEARL, which took part in operations
near New York in 1776, as appears from maps of same.
NOTES.
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 391-397.
fcltacrt Tgktfwtit#:
Anderson, 53-4 ; p. 80-1.
Barnes, T 3 ; p. 120.
Berard(Bush), T 93; p. 162.
Holmes, T 10 ; p. 128.
Lossing, T 16 ; p. 15 6.
Quackenbos, 349 ; p. 251.
Swinton, ^ 138 ; p. 133.
Scott, 10; p. 183.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), Note ;
Goodrich, C.A, (Seaveys),^ 17, p. 126. Ridpath, T 22 ; p. 206.
P- 159-
Goodrich, S. G.,T 8 ; p. 235.
Hassard, T 15 ; p. 189.
Sadlier (Excel), 16 ; p. 193. Venable, T 144 ; p. no.
Stephens, A. H., 1 31 ; p. 203.
46
396*
(%i nations
item* yiiilabrlfihta
BEING AN
(Outline Pity
OF THE
©mttttrg, ftattk-firUi*, Ron bo
itith Strrnmo
WHICH RELATE TO THE
©ampnigiu* of 1776-8
from ©Ik |Uon* to (Trenton
INCLUDING :
Philadelphia,
Germantown,
Whitemarsh,
Metuchen Hill ,
Pennebecker’s Mill,
Pottsgrove,
Warwick,
Yellow Springs,
Valley Forge,
Trudrufflyn,
Westchester,
Dilworth,
Chester,
Chads’ Ford,
Kennett Square,
Wilmington,
Newark,
New Castle,
Elk River,
Billingsport,
Red Bank,
Haddonfield,
Moore’s Town,
Mt. Holly,
Slabtown,
Yardleyville,
Donk’s Ferry,
Hightstown,
Bristol,
Sunville,
Fort Mercer,
Newtown.
Yardleysville,
Hillsborough,
Borden town.
Taoli,
Wyoming.
Note I. — Wayne, with i,5co men, stationed at Paoli, was surprised, Sept. 20th, 1777, through the
treachery of his old neighbors; and it was his birth-place. He was in camp, near Trudrufflyn, and
General Grey made the attack.
Note II. — Wyoming is known for an Indian massacre (p 459 — Carrington’s Battles), and this
massacre was settled (p. 475) by an expedition under Sullivan, James Clinton, Hand, Poor, and Max-
well, who, on the 29th of July, 1779, fought the BATTLE OF CHEMUNG, near the present site
of Elmira, New York.
ilefrrenre :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American^ Revolution,” p. 398.
398*
l/Of/ji/UMtj i/M/JUp JSlfD /Xf/il/l/MJ
(fricamymcut nt y alien futile
WINTER OF 1777-8
American Cmumanber*
WASHINGTON
Commander-in-Chief
GEEENE
STEUBEN
CONWAY
WOODFORD
LIVINGSTON
WAYNE
DeKALB
LAFAYETTE
GLOVER
MAXWELL
HUNTINGTON
VARNUM
WEEDON
LEARNED
McIntosh
SCOTT
PATTERSON
POOR
MUHLENBERG DUPORTAIL
Notes. — The encampment at Valley Forge is memorable for the great suffering which the Ameri-
can army endured, from extreme cold, want of clothing, and insufficient food.
The “ Conway Cabal ” or scheme for the removal of Washington from supreme command, which
for a time had the practical endorsement of Gates and others, spent its force, and Conway returned to
France.
During January, 1778, a committee of Congress visited Washington, and upon full examination of
the condition of the army, decided to give him full support.
On the 27th of February, Baron Steuben arrived and took charge of tactical instruction.
On the 4th of April, Congress authorized Washington to call upon Pennsylvania, Maryland, and
Virginia, for 5,000 militia.
On the gth, Howe was recalled to England.
On the 10th, Lafayette returned.
On the 7th of May, news of the French alliance was received and solemnly celebrated.
On the 18th, Lafayette was established at Barren Hill, an advance position, midway between
Valley Forge and Philadelphia.
On the 19th, Mifflin reported for duty ; and on the 20th, General Charles Lee joined, upon his
exchange for Prescott, prisoner of war.
On the 18th of June, Clinton withdrew from Philadelphia, and the encampment at Valley Forge
was abandoned for that pursuit of Clinton which resulted in the battle of Monmouth.
Rcfcvcucct* :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 406-414.
^rttofot pt£t0vie£:
Anderson, ^ 55 ; p. 81.
Barnes, ^ 3 ; p. 125.
Berard (Bush), \ 94 ; p. 163.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys) *[ 28; p. 129.
Goodrich, S. G., ^f 7-8 ; p. 237.
Hassard, T 1-2 ; p. 196-7.
Holmes, ^f 13 ; p. 130.
Lossing, % 1-2 ; p. 161-2.
Quackenbos, ^f 352 ; p. 254.
Ridpath, ^f 24 ; p. 207.
Sadlier (Excel.), If — ; p. — .
Stephens, A. H., T 32 ; p. 203.
Swinton, ^f 153 ; p. 136.
Scott, ^ 1-3 ; p. 189-90.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), T 267 ;
p. 152-3.
Venable, ^f 145 ; p. in.
5°
Cafancttc at fatt en ijill
^mcvtcan (Tummantt cv*>
LAFAYETTE
POOR PORTER McLEAN
Strength, 2,100 Casualties, 9
Mem — During the spring of 1778, the repeated incursions out of Philadelphia into the country ,
to procure supplies for the garrison, induced Washington to establish an advance post at Barren
Hill.
The detachment consisted of 2,100 picked troops, with five pieces of artillery, and was intrusted
to Lafayette, being his first independent command.
It was a corps of observation, to watch Philadelphia, and superintend outposts and skirmishing
parties between Valley Forge and that city.
American Position. — Lafayette established his headquarters at a Stone Church, which was
within a burying-ground and enclosed by a stone fence. A rocky, steep ridge, fell off to the south and
toward the Schuylkill. At its foot, southward, the outpost of Captain McLean was established, and
a camp of 50 Indian scouts. Another picket detachment was advanced far down the ridge road, and
General Porter, with 500 Pennsylvania militia, was posted on the Whitemarsh road.
ilvtmh C mmmmfcm*
CLINTON
GRANT ERSKINE GREY
Strength, 5,000 Casualties, 3
British Movements. — The end of Howe’s administration at Philadelphia was celebrated by a
succession of fetes, closing after midnight of the 18th of May. At 4 o’clock of the morning of the
igth, Clinton, who had succeeded Howe, took personal command of a column of 5,000 men, and, with
Generals Grant and Erskine, made an attempt to capture Lafayette and his command.
General Grey was sent up the west bank of the Schuylkill with 2,000 men to co-operate from that
direction. The column which advanced by the Ridge road, was halted, to give time for General
Clinton to occupy the road from Germantown to Swede’s Ford, and thus cut off the retreat of Lafay-
ette to Valley Forge.
Note I. — Porter’s militia retired from the picket post without giving notice of the passage of
Grant’s column, which took a road through the woods, under the ridge, to the east.
Note II. — The advance guard of General Grant gained the rear of the American position and
halted at the fork of the two roads leading to Matson’s and Swede’s fords, for the whole division to
gain the summit.
Note III. — Lafayette was informed that scarlet uniforms had been seen in the woods to the rear.
His scouts confirmed the fact that they were British, and not dragoons in similar uniforms, whom he
expected from Valley Forge. His action was prompt. He made a strong demonstration of heads of
columns, as if in full force, so that Grant declined to attack, until the arrival of his entire force. This
delay was fatal to Clinton’s entire plan.
Note IV. — A country road ran from the church, under Barren Hill, to Matson’s Ford. The Indian
scouts, confronted by a party of British dragoons, had fallen back in a panic, but the dragoons had
retired with equal celerity from so unusual an enemy. Lafayette directed General Poor to withdraw
by this road, and to push for Matson’s Ford, instead of Swede’s Ford, which was nearest to Valley
Forge, while he covered the rear.
Note V. — The movement was so prompt that the ford was gained and the river crossed with a loss
of but nine men; the British losing three.
Note VI. — Washington, from high ground, had witnessed the British march, and fired alarm guns;
but the wisdom, coolness, and promptness of Lafayette, which saved his command, received the
strong endorsement of the commander-in-chief.
References :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 405-409.
School
Anderson, T — ; p. — . Holmes, ^ — ; p. — .
Barnes, If — ; p. — . Lossing, T — : p. — .
Berard (Bush), i — ; p. — . Quackenbos, If 355; p. 255.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys),^ — ; p. — . Ridpath, *[ — ; p. — .
Goodrich, S. G.. *[ — ; p. — . Sadlier, (Excel), If — ; p. — .
Hassard, ^ — ; p. — . Stephens, A.H. ^ — ; p. — .
Swinton, ^ — ; p. — .
Scott, T — ; p. — .
Thalheimer (Eclectic), T — ,
P- — ;
Venable, T — IP- — •
52
408*
Rattle of |ttouuuutth
JUNE 29th, 1778
^mcnjcan (^ommamUrtf
WASHINGTON
LAFAYETTE, STIRLING, GREENE
LEE, WAYNE, POOR, GRAYSON
KNOX, LIVINGSTON, VARNUM
MAXWELL, JACKSON, MORGAN,
WOODFORD, HAMILTON,
DICKINSON, STEWART,
CLINTON
CORNWALLIS
KNYPHAUSEN
MONCKTON
SIMCOE
Strength, about 12,000 to each Army.
Mem. — For Clinton' s route from Philadelphia , see map , p. 49.
American Pursuit of Clinton. — Lafayette was entrusted with the advance column, as Lee de-
clined the command, from opposition to the movement. Its gradual reenforcement to nearly 6,000
men, convinced Lee, that if one-half of the army should move upon the enemy, and the senior Major-
General be left behind, it would compromise his honor. Lafayette generously yielded the command,
on condition that the original plan should be carried out ; and Washington pledged the support of the
entire army. That plan, was to strike the British line obliquely, while it was extended for nearly
twelve miles with its baggage, and, by the accumulating force of the successive American divisions, to
destroy or capture it, in detail.
British Position and Action. — The map indicates the British camp on the night before the
battle, with all trams judiciously parked, on the right, so as to lead promptly toward New York, with
the main army interposed for its protection. The Policy of Clinton was to gain New York with least
delay and loss.
Three subordinate and spirited skirmishes occurred, before the final battle, at which Washington
took command in person.
Note I. — Clinton started Knyphausen for Middletown with his baggage at daylight, and de-
scended into the plain, beyond the cast ravine , with the main army, at 8 o’clock.
Note II. — The first skirmish was between seven and eight o’clock, just east of the west ravine ,
between Dickinson’s advance and Clinton’s rear guard. Wayne, Jackson and Varnum soon joined.
As early as 5 o’clock, Washington had been advised that Clinton was in motion, and sent orders for
Lee to pursue, while assuring him that the army had thrown aside its packs and would follow
promptly.
Note III. — The second skirmish was near the Court House, in which Lafayette, as well as Butler
and Wayne, actively participated, and forced the Queen’s rangers to retreat.
Note IV. — The third skirmish was that development of the American troops, nearly 6,000 men,
which, by its deployment in the plain and its close pressure of Clinton, compelled him to change front
to the rear, and give battle. Already the American left wing had so far advanced as to overlap to the
northward, and threaten the ravine through which Knyphausen was urging the baggage train. Lafay-
ette, on the right, was hopeful. Varnum and Oswald in the centre, opened their guns with effect, as
Wayne advanced, but through a transfer of Livingston and Stewart to the right, breaking the line,
and disconnecting the centre and left, and, a want of systematic handling by Lee himself, the whole
army fell back, under his orders.
Note V. — This retreat, which became confused through conflicting rumors and orders was gen-
eral, but not a panic. The troops, disappointed, and over-heated under the blazing sun, hurriedly
passed the middle ravine, but were promptly halted by the stern command of Washington as they ap-
proached the east ravine. Heat once established Livingston, Stewart, Ramsey, Wayne and Varnum
across the line of British approach ; while Lafayette placed in position the divisions of Stirling and
Greene, which had rapidly followed the commander-in-chief. The repulse of Monckton at the hedge-
row, where he fell, was brilliant ; and the artillery of Knox, at the right, and Stirling on the left, of
the second line, with Wayne’s sharp Infantry fire, checked the effort of Clinton to force a passage.
Note VI. — At night, Clinton reared behind the middle ravine, closely followed by Woodford on the
right, and Poor on the left, but, before midnight, he abandoned his camp and secured his retreat to
New York.
Note VII. — The -intense heat increased the casualties, and the desertions from the British army
were nearly 2,000. The killed and wounded on each side varied little from 300.
Note VIII — Lee opened a disrespectful correspondence with Washington, was tried by court
martial, was suspended for a year, and never resumed duty. Monmouth was the only action of the
war in which he actively participated. He was sent to Connecticut from Boston in 1776 on recruiting
service, thence to New York to help fortify ; thence to South Carolina, where he urged that Moultrie
abandon his fort ; thence to the North, where he only embarrassed Washington, until he was out of
the way, as a prisoner of war. As a prisoner of war, he betrayed the weak points of the American
resistance, to General and Admiral Howe, and, on his exchange, bitterly opposed the pursuit of
Clinton.
Note IX. — Washington marched from Monmouth to Brunswick, thence to Haverstraw on the
Hudson, and on the 22d of July placed his headquarters at White Plains, above New York.
licfmntcc'.:
Carrington's “Cattles of the American Revolution,” pp. 412-445
Anderson, ^ 72-4 * p. 86. Holmes, \ 18 ; p. 133.
Barnes, \ 2 ; p. 127. Lossing, % 4-6 ; p. 162.
Berard (Bush), ^ 98 ; p. 164. Quackenbos,1[ 5-3; p. 257.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),1 32-3; p. 131-2- Ridpath. 1[ 6-7 ; p. 2x0.
Goodrich, S. G , ^ 4-8 ; p. 238- Sadlier (Excel),1 f 9: p. 108.
Hassard, T 9-12 ; p. 199-200. Stephens, A. H.T 3-6; p. 205-6.
Swinton,^ 167 ; p. 138.
Scott, ^ 6-10; p. 191-2.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ 272;
P- i55-
Venable, ^ 146; p. 112-13.
54
446*
|UitifiarH*
. AUGUST 1778
Ammcait (Tomimutbcvc.
SULLIVAN
GREENE, LIVINGSTON, HANCOCK, WEST, LAWSON, HENRY
VARNUM, GLOVER, LAFAYETTE
fvcitdt Arm « itttb fleet
COUNT D’ESTAING
jSrittslt (fommanbevs
PIGOT
HUYN, BANAU, DITFORTH, SEABOTH, PRESCOTT,
VOSBERG, SMITH, GREY, BOIT, FANNING
Strength, 6,000.
gritteh Abmmtls
HOWE BYRON
PLAN OF ATTACK. — The 10th of August was selected for the attack. The Americans were
to cross from Tiverton, at Howland’s Ferry, and the French were to land on the west side, opposite
Byer’s Island.
Note I. — Sullivan, without notice to the French Commander, crossed at Tiverton July 29th. The
French fleet forced the west and middle passages on the eighth. A heavy storm scattered both French
and British fleets, and Count D’Estaing did not regain port until the 20th. Between the 15th and
20th the Americans had established batteries from Parker’s Hill across the island.
Note II. — The reported movement of Clinton from New York, with 4,000 troops, led to a retreat,
which began on the 26th of August. On the 29th the Americans still held Quaker Hill and Turkey
Hill, as well as Butts’ Hill. Livingston, Lawrence and Glover distinguished themselves in the
defence, losing 67 men, and inflicting a loss of 248 upon their assailants.
Note III. — On the 30th one hundred vessels arrived in sight, with Clinton’s division ; but the
retreat to the main land had been effected, under the personal supervision of Lafayette, ‘'without
leaving behind a single man, or the smallest article,” as repotted by Sullivan.
Hcfctcuccs ;
Carrington's “Battles of the American Revolution," pp. 448-456.
^srhool
Anderson, ^ 75-6 ; p. 87. Holmes, T 19 ; p. 134.
Barnes, ^ 2 ; p. 128. Lossing. ^ 7 ; p. 163.
Berard (Bush), ^ 100; p. 165. Quackenbos, ^ 359 • p. 259.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),^ 36, p. 132. Ridpath, ^ 8-10 ; p. 210-11.
Goodrich, S. G., 3-9; p. 242. Sadlier (Excel 1, ^ 10 ; p. 199.
Hassard, ^ 13-14 ; P- 200. Stephens, A. H. ^ 8-9; p.227.
56
Swinton, T 169-170; p. 139.
Fcott, ^ n-14; p. 193-4.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), ^ 273 ;
P- >55-
Venable, ^ 147; p. 113.
§tcpc itf ^auamtah
SEPTEMBER 16th to OCTOBER 9th i;8o
(Tmmmntbcvs
LINCOLN
LAURENS, McINTOSH, HUGER, DILLON, PULASKI
Strength, 3,600 Casuilties, 457
gvmth (fomimmbn*
Lieut.-Gen. COUNT CHARLES HECTOR B’ESTAING
Strength, 6, coo Casualties, 651
POSITION OF THE ALLIED ARMIES.— The French fleet arrived off Tybee Island Sep-
tember 8th, and anchored near the bar. On the 9th the troops landed twelve miles below Savannah,
and on the 16th D’Estaing summoned the garrison to surrender. General Prevost asked and gained a
truce of twenty-four hours, during which interval Lt.- 'ol. Maitland skillfully eluded the American
outposts, and joined, with eight hundred excellent troops. Surrender was then declined. The
American army joined the French on the 16th, and batteries were at once placed in position.
BRITISH POSITION.— At the first intimation that a large French fleet was off the coast.
General Prevost removed the buoys from the harbor, and put a large force of negroes at work, to
strengthen the post. New redoubts, made of double palmetto logs, iiiterfilled with sand, a strong
palisade, and a series of minor detached defences, were pushed forward with energy. Re ays of men
enabled the work to be carried on at night, as well as by day. Capt. Moncrieff, Engineer-in-charge,
has left his notes, which are reproduced, on map. Major Graham made a sally Sept. 24, and Major
McArthur another on the 27th, at night, but without valuable results.
NOTES.
Note I. — On the 5th of October, a battery of nine mortars, thirty-three heavy guns from the land
side, and sixteen from the river, opened fire, and this was kept up until the 8th. Houses were burned,
but little damage was done to the defences. It became evident that' the siege would be protracted,
and tne season of the year was so dangerous that the French fleet could not remain longer on the
coast. It was necessary to raise the siege, or storm the town.
Note II. — The force detailed for that assault consisted of 3,500 French troops; 600 American
regulars ; Pu'aski’s corps, and 250 militia ; to form two columns.
Note III. — General Dillon, of the Irish Brigade, in the French service, was to take the extreme
left, and attack the horse-shoe or sailor’s battery, at the British right ; D’Estaing and Lincoln were to
attack Spring Hill, and Pulaski to attack a redoubt beyond, toward the direction of Dillon’s advance,
while Huger and Williams were to make feint attacks, upon the east side of town, and take advantage
of any opportunity to force an entrance.
Note IV. — The batteries maintained fire, as if preparatory to an assault in front ; but by the
desertion of the Serg’ant-Major of the Charleston Grenadiers, during the night, the enemy had
knowledge of the real plan of attack.
Note V. — Dillon got involved in a marsh, and Huger could make little progress through the rice
fields, and lost 27 men. Pulaski fell, mortally wounded, in a brave, but unsuccessful attack.
Note VI. — The main column, which was also accompanied by Laurens and McIntosh, forced the
palisades and the ditch, but were met by the British Grenadiers and Glazier’s Marines, whose concen-
trated fire, for fifty-five minutes, was too heavy to be silenced. Sergeant Jasper received his death
wound here. Bush and Holmes, 2d S. C. Regt., planted their colors within the redoubt, and fell in
their defence.
Note VII. — D’Estaing was twice wounded. The French lost 15 officers killed and 43 wounded ;
rank and file, 168 killed and 41 1 wounded.
Note VIII. — The siege of Savannah was at an end. Prompt attack, when the troops landed,
would have promised success.
Ikfmttcra :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 476-483.
Anderson, T 88 ; p. 90.
Barnes, 2 ; p. 129.
Berard (Busht, ^ 105-6; p. 166-7.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys) 4; p. 134
Goodrich, S. G., 1-6 ; P- 250.
Hassard, 6 ; p. 204.
Holmes, 10 ; p. 141.
Lossing, 11 ; p. 170-1.
Quackenbos, 369 ; p. 267.
Ridpath, ^ 9-10; p. 215.
Sadlier (Excel.'), 14; p. 200-1.
Stephens, A. H., 1 23; p. 212.
Swinton, ^ 184-7 5 P- G1-
Scott, T" 1-3 ; p. 1^6-7.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), f 285 ;
p. 163.
Venable, T 155 ; p. 118.
$ie0e of (Klutrlootott
MAY 12th, 1780
Ammnut Cmtttmwiw*
WHIPPLE LINCOLN WOODFORD
Strength, 3,000. Casualties, 276.
Mem. The schedule of prisoners, -which -was made up by Major Andre, embraced the names
0/ all male citizens. Total , 5,618.
AMERICAN POSITION. The garrison embraced 2,200 regulars, and about 1.000 militia,
when Clinton crossed the Ashley; but his delay, for Patterson to join him from Savannah allowed
Woodford to steal quietly into the city April 7th, with 700 Virginia troops. They had made a march
of 500 miles in 30 days. Commodore Whipple withdrew his ships behind a boom, and they rendered
no service. Their guns were mounted in the city. He over-estimated the resisting capacity of Fort
Moultrie.
grittelt (f outnumber
CLINTON
Strength, 8,500. Casualties, 265.
BRITISH POSITION. Clinton left New York, Dec. 26th, but storms dispersed his fleet. All
the cavalry and most of the artillery horses perished. Tybee Island, near Savannah, was the first
rendezvous; but it was not until February nth, that the troops landed onSt. John’s Island, thirty miles
below Charleston.
They were transferred to James Island, crossed Stono and Ashley rivers, and established them-
selves across the narrow neck above Charleston on the 12th of March.
NOTES.
Note. I. — Admiral Arbuthnot weighed anchor March 9th, leading with the Roebuck frigate, and
passed Fort Moultrie with a loss of but 27 men. On the 20th he crossed the bar, and on the 29th he
landed a brigade of 500 seamen and marines at Mount Pleasant. This compelled the Americans to
abandon their outpost at L’Empries Point. On the 4th of May 200 seamen and marines landed on
Sullivan Island, and Fort Moultrie was surrendered.
Note II. — The British broke ground on the night of April ist,at 800 yards before the American
lines, and on the 10th demanded surrender of the city. April 19th the second parallel was opened at
450 yards, and on the 6th of May, the third parallel was established by converting a canal into a dry
ditch.
Note III. — The Americans lost by the surrender, 405 pieces of ordnance of various calibre.
Note IV. — The map also indicates the position of Admiral Parker’s fleet, June 28th, 1776, when
Clinton made his first attempt to capture Charleston, and the resistance at Fort Moultrie, endorsed
by Governor Rutledge, but opposed by General Charles Lee, defeated the British attempt to capture
Charleston.
References :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 492-498.
School |U£t(rvie0 :
Anderson, ^f 89-93; p. 91. Holmes, If n ; p 142. Swinton, if 193-5; p. 144.
Barnes, if 1 ; p. 132-3. Lossing. if 1-6 ; p. 174-5. Scott, If 3-5 ; p. 201-2.
Berard (Bush), 1 1 15; p. 169. Quackenbos, if 371 ; p. 269. Thalheimer (Eclectic), if 285;
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys), if 13, p. 137. Ridpath, If 2-3; p.216-17. p. 163.
Goodrich. S. G.,if 5-6; p. 262. Sadlier (Excel), 1 15 ; p. 201. Venable, if 158 ; p. 119
Hassard, if 1-3 ; p. 209-10. Stephens, A. H. if x— 4; p. 214-15.
T
60
498*
Rattle of $jmuflfidti
AND
(Opevaiiun* from §tatcn
DURING JUNE, 1780
^metfican ©amwanders
GREENE
Maxwell, Stark, Angell, Jackson, Lee
Webb, Dickinson, Dayton, Shreve
British Commanders
CLINTON KNYPHAUSEN
Sterling, Matthews, Simcoe, Stirn, Tryon
Estimated Strength Available 7,800 | Strength, 5,oco
AMERICAN POSITION. Washington held firm hold of his well protected camp near Morris-
town, carefully guarded the pass at Chatham, and so disposed his advance posts as to be fully advised
of British activity. ( A reference to map 11 ,/. 26-7, iu:ll indicate the relations of Staten Island to
the operations referred to).
BRITISH MOVEMENTS. Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen, commanding at New York, during
Clinton s operations against Charleston, determined to draw Washington into a. general engagement
and seize his camp. On the 6th of June, with Matthews, Tryon, Sterling, and 5,000 excellent troops,
he crossed from Staten Island, by a bridge of boats, to Elizabethtown Point.
The mutinous conduct of the American army, after a winter of great severity, and the suffering
incident to scant food, clothing, fuel, medicines and all necessaries, had inspired the opinion that a
prompt invasion would induce many to return to British allegiance.
Sterling advanced toward Elizabethtown at daylight, but the militia were on the alert. He was
mortally wounded by an American sentry, and Knyphausen tookhisplace at the front. When the sun
had risen, thi British army not only discovered that orchards, houses and single trees were sheltering
keen marksmen, but that the regiment of Col. Elias Dayton was rapidly forming to resist their march.
The Queen’s Rangers (Simcoe’s) led the Hessian column; but instead of any friendly indications,
there was opposition at every step. Connecticut Farms, seven miles beyond Elizabethtown, was
burned, with its church and parsonage, and the wife of Chaplain Caldwell was killed by a bullet.
When within half a mile of Springfield, it was found, that, as Dayton fell back, he was amply SUP
ported by Maxwell on the bank of the Rahway, and that Washington was fully prepared for the
issue.
A stormy night, enlivened by watch fires, which blazed on every hill, warned Knyphausen
that he was surrounded by vigilant adversaries, and he retired to Staten Island.
Clinton, returning from Charleston, reached Staten Island on the 17th of June, and he also resolved
to strike the camp and magazines of Washington, at Morristown. Troops were embarked, ostensibly,
to ascend the Hudson and attack West Point. Washington left Greene to command, behind Spring-
field, with Maxwell, Stark and Col. Lee, and marched on the 22d eleven miles toward the Hudson; but
upon appreciating the feint of Clinton, regained his post.
Ths Battle txi Springfield tellewed
Note I — The British advanced in two columns, at 5 o’clock A. M. June 23d, with 5 000 infantry,
cavalry and 18 guns ; one column (Clinton’s), by the Connecticut Farms’ Road, and the other (Knyp-
hausen’s), by the Vauxhall road.
Note II — At the first bridge over the Rahway, Clinton found that Col. Angell, with a Rhode
Island regiment and one gun, occupied an orchard on a hill, and practically commanded the bridge. He
at once gained high ground for his own guns, but finding their effect to be inconsiderable, forded the
stream ; turned Angell’s position and forced him back to the second bridge, where Colonel Shreve dis-
puted the advance. This officer lost one-fourth of his men; but found himself promptly supported by
the brigades of Maxwell and Stark. They took a position at a mill which afforded strength, ana
Greene so disposed of Dickinson’s militia as to check the British ardor.
Note III. — Knyphausen’s column attempted to seize the Chatham pass, in the rear, and thus gain
the avenue to the Morristown camp. At Little’s bridge, on the Vauxhall road, he was met by Lee’s
cavalry, well supported by Col. Ogden’s regiment, and a brisk struggle took place for its possession.
Greene promptly moved the regiments of Webb and Jackson, with one gun, to the Chatham pass, and
the object of the expedition was foiled. ••
Note. IV. — Clinton burned Springfield, returned to Staten Island, removed his bridge of boats, and
the last New Jersey campaign closed.
Note V. — The American militia made no return of their losses. The regular troops had 13 killed
and 61 wounded. The British loss was not officially stated, but was estimated at 150, including
missing.
|{cfn*ettce* :
Carrington’s “ Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 498-502.
School :
Anderson, ^ — ; p. 102.
Barnes, T — ; p. — .
Berard (Bush), 1 123; p. 174.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys),T — ; p. — .
Goodrich, S. G., ^ c, , p. 265.
Hassard, ^ 2 ; p. 2T4.
Holmes, — ; p. — .
Lossing, T 13 : p. 178-9.
Quackenbos, If — ; p. — .
Ridpath, 1 : p. — .
Sadlier, (Excel), 1" — ; p. — .
Stephens, A.H. ^ — ; P- — .
Swinton, — ; p. — .
Scott, 1 11 ; p. 205.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), T — ,
p- — ;
Venable, T — ; p. — .
62
— —n&Ryt-
M’te&t 0*Mtyt **0*Lz^ - Sl*i»ner±-==z =r
AritiskArmy under de/iera fa Cfa'/dm andAfhy/tfauu^e^
de/t fayed fa coyerJtefreay,
502*
Outline Pap
OF THE
|liurv
FROM
HuUImj |m| to gfohJtiU mtk ftcttrtmrglt
INCLUDING
®appmt mtb
Haverstraw, where Andre landed, from British Sloop, Vulture ;
PEEKSKILL, NORTH CASTLE & WHITE PLAINS
ALSO
Prnnt
FORT INDEPENDENCE
FORT CLINTON FORT MONTGOMERY
FORT PUTNAM and WEST POINT
Note. — Stony Point is memorable, as follows :
It was stormed under direction of Washington, by Wayne, Febiger, Webb, Meigs, Butler, Lee,
Muhlenburg, Fleury, Knox, and Gibbon. July j 6, 1779. {Carrington' s “ Battles'' pp. 472-474).
It was abandoned (same, p. 474).
It was re-occupied by Clinton ; but abandoned (Oct. 25, 1779). Ca*rington' s '‘''Battles p. 476.
Mem. As the Hudson River separated New England from the central colonies, and its con-
trol 7uas contended for , by both armies , it is to be noted , that Governor Try on, both in 1777 and
1779, made incursions into Connecticut , in vain attempting to divert Washington from his general
plans. April 25, 1777, when Fairfield and Danbury were visited , he was bravely resisted by
Arnold, at Ridgefield. General David Wooster was fatally wounded. July 4, 1779, Tryon visited
New Haven, and on the 2>th and 9 th burned Fairfield, including 2 churches , 83 how.es and shops, 2
school-houses, jail and County-House.
British expeditions , out of New York, into Westchester County , were frequent.
64
512*
Rattle af Cumin’ll at $nn&cr'$ (fmh
AUGUST 1 6th, 1780
American (£ommnmUr,$
GATES
Porterfield, Armstrong, Williams, Gist,
DeKalb, Caswell, Singleton, Stevens,
Marquis Armand, Rutherford, Gregory
British (EommamUrj?
CORNWALLIS
Rawdon, Tarleton, Webster, Hamilton,
Bryan, McLeod
Strength, 3,052 Casualties,?&7i, beside
missing Strength, 2,239 Casualties, 324
AMERICAN MOVEMENTS. — The army of Gates, strengthened by that of DeKalb, left
Hillsborough, N. C , July 27th, crossed Deep River at Buffalo Ford, and by the 3d of August, 1780,
gained the Peedee River, and united with Porterfield’s command. On the 7th, the North Carolina
militia, under Caswell, joined, and on the 13th, Gates encamped at Rugely’s Mills, twelve miles above
Camden. On the 14th, Stevens joined, with 700 Virginia militia. The troops of De Kalb, 1,400 men,
Maryland and Delaware troops, accompanied him from Morristown. New Jersey, having left head-
quarters, April 1 6th.
On the 15th of August, Gates ordered the army to march, at ten o’clock that night, to attack Cam-
den, and insisted upon the order, after Adjutant-General Williams exhibited the daily Returns, show-
ing that the real force was less than half his estimate. He did not know that Cornwallis had joined
Rawdon at Camden.
Marquis Armand, with his squadron of 6o dragoons, led the advance, in spite of his protest against
using mounted men for pioneer night service, as it required perfect silence. Porterfield and Armstrong
were to take the woods, on his flank, and give him full support.
BRITISH MOVEMENTS.— Cornwallis, advised of Gates’ force and his advance, alike in-
tended to surprise his enemy. Upon reaching Sander’s Creek, five miles from Camden, between two
and three o’clock in the morning, the advance guard of 40 cavalry, and mounted infantry, met and
routed Armand’s detachment Porterfield was mortally wounded in giving his support, and both
armies waited for the break of day for further developments.
Note I — The American first line was formed as follows : Right Wing, under General Gist,
with the Delaware troops of DeKalb; Centre, under General Caswell, with North Carolina militia ;
Left Wing, under General Stevens, .with raw Virginia militia. Singleton’s guns occupied the road.
General Smallwood commanded the second line with the First Maryland brigade.
Note II. — Tha British first line was as follows: Right Wing, Webster, with 23d and 33d regi-
ments, and three companies of light infantry. Lord Rawdon commanded the left wing, viz.: Volun-
teers of Ireland, the Legion Infantry, Hamilton’s Corps, and Bryan’s Refugees, and five guns under
McLeod. The two battalions of the 71st regiment, with two guns, formed the second line. Tarle-
ton’s dragoons remained in column, on account of the thickness of the wood, to act as required.
Note III. — Upon crossing Sander’s Creek, the British army entered upon a narrow belt of land,
bordered on each side by an impassable swamp, while the American line, also between the swamps,
on a widening area, would become exposed to any flank movement, unless they firmly held their
original ground.
Note IV. — Before the action, Gates had learned from a prisoner, taken in the night skirmish,
that Cornwallis was in command ; but hesitated so Jong as to what was to be done, that he lost
the opportunity for retreat to Rugely’s Mills. Stevens pronounced it to be anything but right,
and in the silence of Gates as to orders, gallantly followed the suggestion of Adjutant-General
"Williams, to attack the B itish right wing as it advanced, before it could gain room for full de-
ployment. Skirmishers were ordered to take single trees for cover, and aid the movement.
Note V — *’ It was calm and hazy, so that the smoke settled, until it was difficult,” says
Cornwallis, “ to see the effect of a heavy and well-directed fire on both sides.” He observed a
movement on the American left, which he supposed to indicate some change in their order of
battle He at once precipitated Webster’s regiments upon the Virginia militia, before they could
gain the position they sought. They threw down their loaded arms, and fled. The North Caro-
lina militia, except a small force under Gregory, also fled.
Note VI.— The British right wing, having then broken through, next attacked the 1st Maryland
brigade, whe e it met firm resistance, until Tarleton’s dragoons came to their support, when, over-
whelmed with numbers, they retired.
Note VII. — The British left wing was firmly received by DeKalb. He bore down upon them
with the bayonet, broke through their ranks, wheeled to the left, and fought, until his force was
enveloped by the British right wing, which turned back to charge this, suddenly, adverse tide of
battle. DeKalb fell, wounded in five places, still confident that victory was certainly with the
Americans.
Note VIII. — The rout of the militia was utter. Gates hurried to Charlotteville, sixty miles,
and by the 20th, reached Hillsborough, one hundred and eighty miles from Camden, without
fugitives sufficient for an escort. The Delaware regiment was almost destroyed, while the Mary-
land troops lost more than 300 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Forty-one officers were killed
or wounded.
Note IX. — The gallantry of DeKalb’s conduct is shown by the British casualties, which
Cornwallis admitted to be 324.
Note X.— Of the missing from the Maryland division, it is to be noted, to their credit, that
by the 29th , 700 had rejoined the army.
Note XI. — The British captured 7 guns, 1,000 prisoners, 2,00a muskets, and all the baggage of
the American army.
gfcfmttce* :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 513-523.
<§ dtcrol |U$tavie$ :
Anderson, IT 93 ; p 92.
Barnes, If 2 ; p. 133.
Berard (Bush), ^ 119; p. 170.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys) 1 15; p. 138.
Goodrich, S. G., 1 4-8 ; p. 264.
Hassard, T 8 ; p. 212.
Holmes, If 13 ; p. J43- 'Swinton, 1" 4 ; p. 157.
Lossing, 9 ; p. 177. Scott, | 7; p. 203.
Quackenbos, 277 ; p. 274-3. Thalheimer (Eclectic), T
Ridpath, ?f 7 ; p. 218. p. 165.
Sadlier (Excel.), 17; p.201-2. Venable, ^ 161 ; p. 121.
Stephens, A. H., 6-7 ; p. 217.
66
i
522*
Avnolb ;tt Petersburg
APRIL 25th, 1781
Notes. — Benedict Arnold, having a force of 1,553 men, sailed to City Point (see map page), and on
the 25th marched to Petersburg, arriving at xo o’clock. Generals Steuben and Muhlenberg were at the
post with about 1,000 militia. They advanced to a strong position before Brandon (Bradford) which com-
pelled the Queen’s Rangers and Rifles to make a long detour to cut off their retreat and gain Peters-
burg. Steuben fell back to cover Petersburg; but being unable to meet the opposing superior force, in
action, recrossed the Appomattox River, with a loss of only twenty men. A third position was taken
on Baker’s Hill, which Arnold did not venture to assail.
Arnold claims that “ he did not pursue because the enemy took up the bridge,” and that he des-
troyed four thousand hogsheads of tobacco, one ship and a number of small vessels on the stocks and
in the river.
lU'fnTnrco:
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 589-590.
Avuolb itt U Ultra on it
JANUARY 5 th, 1780
Notes. — BENEDICT ARNOLD, appointed Brigadier General in the British army, as pay for
treason, left New York December 19, 1780, with sixteen hundred men for Virginia. Lieut. Col. Sim-
coe (Queen’s Rangers), and Lieut. Col. Dundas, 18th Regiment (Scotch\ belonged to his command.
A gale separated the ships ; but on the 31st he transferred 1,200 men to small vessels and moved up
James River. On the 3d of January, at night, Simcoe landed at Hood’s Point, to spike a small bat-
tery, and on the 4th the expedition landed at Westover, nearly twenty-five miles below Richmond, and
marched immediately to that city.
On the 5th, Arnold entered Richmond ; Simcoe dislodged a small force of two hundred militia
which Col. John Nichols had assembled on Richmond Hill ; and some mounted men on Shoer’s Hill
quickly retired. A foundry, laboratory and some shops were burned at Westham, nearly seven miles
above Richmond, as well as some public records which had been taken there for safety. A proposition
sent to Governor Jeffers >n, dictating terms upon which the buildings might be saved, for the privilege
of quietly taking away the tobacco, was rejected ; and, burning as many houses as time permitted,
Arnold retired without loss.
Five brass guns, three hundred stand of arms found in the loft of the capitol, and in a wagon,
with a few quartermaster’s stores, constituted the chief articles of capture.
Rcfcvcnn’o :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 548-9
68
■Rattle of Coiopcito
JANUARY 7th, 1 88 1
American (Cmttmaubcr*
w
MORGAN
COL. WASHINGTON. HOWARD. MeDOWELL. PICKENS.
CUNNINGHAM. BEATTY. TRIPLETT. McCALL.
Strength, 1,250 Casualti s, 72.
AMERICAN FORMATION. The battle was fought near Broad River, about two miles south
of the North Carolina boundary line, on ground used for pasture, and familiarly known as Cow Pens,
Broad River wound around Morgan’s left, and was parallel with his rear, and the position was selected
by him, to prevent retreat and compel his men to fight. An open woodland sloped to the front, which
Tarleton said “ could be no better for mounted men.”
Morgan occupied the summit with the regular troops. Beatty’s Georgians, ■ 50 men, held the right,
Triplett’sand Tate’s Virginians held the centre. The Maryland battalion, 300 men, held the left. Lieut.
Col. Howard commanded this line. Pickens held a line of 270 men, in open order, about 150 yards in
advance of the hill, while Major Cunningham, of Georgia, and Major McDowell, of South Carolina,
were posted at an equal farther advance, with 150 picked sharp-shooters, under orders to take the cover
of trees, fire only at short range, and fall back, firing, as they could still find cover.
Pickens was ordered to reserve fire until the enemy came within fifty yards, and after two volleys, to
retire to the left of the regulars; but, if charged by cavalry, only one man in three must take part in
the volley, while the rest should reserve their fire until the actual charge, or the troopers should turn
back.
The regulars were advised of these orders, and instructed, if they were forced from their first posi-
tion, to re-form on the next hill, and be prepared to face about and renew the attack. Col. Washington’s
cavalry and Col. McCall’s mounted men were out of sight, in the rear of the hill.
BRITISH FORMATION. Tarleton made his advance at seven o’clock in the morning, with
force well worn from hard marching, but under advices that a large force of militia was on the way to
join Morgan. Dragoons on each flank, and in rear, supported the infantry, as designated on the map,
and two guns opened fire from the intervals between battalions. The 71st Regiment formed, slightly in
the rear, as a reserve.
Note I. — The sharp-shooters closely obeyed orders, and finally retreated around the American left
for re-formation in the rear and to the right. One detachment of dragoons pursued them, as
if they were fugi ives.
Note II. — The British guns are moved to the front, but the resistance of the main line is so obsti-
nate that, Tarleton, with the 71st and two hundred dragoons, takes part in the charge. Howard throws
back his right wing, and this is at first taken for an order to retreat. Morgan promptly orders the
troops to face about, deliver fire, and charge v ith the bayonet. The British were within thirty yards.
Note III. — Meanwhile the American cavalry move around by the left of the hill and attack the
flank and rear of the troops which had pursued the retiring militia. The latter gain their assigned
position, and are already ascending the hill to assist Morgan. (See map'1.
Note IV. — Nearly every British gunner had been killed or wounded at his gun. Pickens’ militia
attack the 71st Regiment by the flank, as they ascend the hill, and the whole force is at the mercy of
the cross-fire of the American detachments
Note V.— Tarleton escaped with forty troopers ; received a sword cut from Washington, who was
also wounded in the knee, and the rest of the command surrendered.
Note VI. — Two standards, thirty-five wagons, one hundred horses, eight hundred muskets, two
cannon and six hundred prisoners, were trophies of the action.
The British lost in killed and wounded, 129 officers and men.
Kcfmnuc* :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 540-547.
Anderson, T 104 ; p. 95. Holmes, ^ 6 ; p. 153.
Barnes, Tf 1 ; p. 137. Lossing, T 4 t P- t82.
Berard (Bush), 1 129 ; p. 173. Quackenbos, ^ 388; p. 284-=;.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),^ 24; p. 141. Ridpath, If 6 ; p. 223.
Goodrich, S. G., ^f 4-3 ; p. 272. Sadlier, (Excel), If 18 ; p. 203.
Hassard, T 10 ; p. 219-20. Stephens, A. H. *f 6-7; p. 223-4.
Swinton, T 7 ; p. 158.
Scott, If s ; p. 210-11.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), If 289,
P- 165 ;
Venable, Tf 166; p. 125.
516*
in §mttltcv» states
iiltttlc*.
References : — “ Carrington’s Battles of the American Revolution.”
Brier Creek Mar. 3, 1779..
Camden Aug. 16, 1780.
King’s Mountain Oct. 7, 178a. . .
Blackstock Nov. 20, 1780.
Cowpens
PAGE.
• 464
• 513
• 520
■ 522
Guilford Court House Mar. 15,1781
Hobkirk’s Hill Apr. 25, 1781.
Eutaw Springs Sept. 8, 1731.
Jamestown July 9, 1781. .
.Jan. 17, 1781 542
556
57i
578
607
£tcr*r«s
Savannah by American and French troops 477
Charleston by British troops 496
Augusta by American troops 520
Ninety Six by American troops 1 . . 574
Yorktown by American and French troops 631
Ittimiv (Oft nations
Moore’s Creek Bridge, Va Dec. 9, 1775 174
Quinton’s Bridge, Va Mar. i3, 1778 .■ 405
Tatnal’s Plantation, S. C Nov. 27, 1778 (Savannah taken) 460
Beaufort, S. C Feb. 3, 1779 (A sharp action) 464
Kettle Creek, Ga Feb. 14, T77 9 (Tories routed by Pickens and Dooley) 464
Stono Ferry, S. C Apr. 20, 1779 465
Waxhaw Creek, S. C May 29, 1780 (no quarter given) 497
Ramseur’s Mills, S. C June 20, 1780 (sharp action) . . 498
Williamson’s Plantation, S. C July 12, T780 ? 507
Rocky Mount, S. C July 30, 1780 (a bold assault).. 507
Rocky Mount, S. C Aug. r, ifo (skirmish) 507
Hanging Rock, S. C Aug. 6, 1780 (a formal action) 508
Note. — Andrew Jackson, afterward President , was a drummer-boy in this battle 509
The Wataree, S. C Aug. 15, 1780 (a surprise) 511
Fishing Creek, S. C Aug. 18, ^80 (a surprise) 512
Musgrove’s Mills, S. C Aug. 18, 1780 518
Wahab’s Plantation, S. C Sep. 20, 1780 518
Charlotte, N. C Sep. 26, 1780 519
Fi;h Dam Ford, S. C Nov. 9,1780 . . 521
Blackstock’ s Plantation, S. C Nov. 2?, 1780 (a sharp action). 522
Charles City C. H., Va Jan. 8, 1781 ... 540
McGowan’s Ford, N. C Feb. r, r73i 55T
Allamance Creek Feb. 25, 1781 (no quarter) 554
Wetzell’s Mills, N. C Mar. 6, 1781 (a spirited action). 555
Petersburg, Va Apr. 25, 1781 589
Brandon, Va Apr. 25, 1781 589
Osborne, Va Apr. 27, 1781 590
Williamsburg, Va. June 16, 1781. (a sharp action) 604
Quinby Bridge, S. C July 17, 1781 575
Monk’s Corner, S. C July 17, 178T 575
Dorchester, S. C July 17, 178 r 575
Gloucester, Va October, 1781 636
72
558*
$nttU isf (OjtUfovb Crnni fjrnt^c
MARCH 15 th, 1781
glmcwnn (KomnuuuUrs
GREENE
Butler, Eaton, Ford, Col. Washington,
Gunby, Kirkwood, Singleton, Williams,
Huger, Stevens, Lee, Lynch, Hewes
Strength, 4,404 Casualties, 1,311
gritteli Commanders
CORNWALLIS
Webster, O’Hara, Leslie, Norton, Tarleton
McLeod, Howard
Strength, 1,800 Casualties, 554
Mem. — The movements 0/ the two armies had been such , that Greene selected Guilford Court
House , for an issue with Cornwallis; and Cornwallis , as deliberately, resolved to attack the Ameri-
can army , whenever it offered battle.
AMERICAN FORMATION. — The first line , 1,060 men (see map), was formed in the edge of
woods, behind open ground, under cover of fences. From this point, the surface, quite thickly
wooded, gradually ascended to the Court House, with hills on either side. Singleton placed his two
guns on the road. Lynch’s Rifles (200 men), Kirkwood’s Delawares (80 men), and Washington’s Dra-
goons, held the extreme right , to threaten the British left ; while Lee’s horse and the infantry of the
Legion, with Campbell’s Rifles, held the left , to threaten the British right.
The second line , 1,123 men (see map), was posted, 300 yards in the rear, with a few veterans, be-
hind the line, to keep them up to duty.
The third line , 1,40 > regulars, near the Court House, well posted, included Gunby’s veteran regi-
ment ; but that of Ford, on the extreme left, was of new levies.
The map gives the divisions, by brigades.
BRITISH FORMATION. — Right wing. Bose (Hessian), and 71st regiment, with Leslie,
commanding; 1st Guards (Norton) in reserve. Left wing. 23d and 33d regiments, under Webster ;
2d Guards (General O’Hara) and Grenadiers in reserve. The Yagers and Light Infantry, to the left
of the road, supported McLeod’s guns. Tarleton’s dragoons were in column, on the road, at the rear,
to act as ordered
Preliminary Skirmish. — Lee and Campbell were sent out by Greene, early in the morning, to
feel the advancing enemy. In this skirmish, Captain Goodrick, of the British Guards, was killed,
and nearly thirty of the Yagers and Dragoons were killed, or wounded. The Americans lost as
many.
Bmjeiflpmcnt ni tha Battla
Note I. — As appears from the map, the American first , or advance line, over-lapped and at-
tempted to flank, the British line.
Note II. — Cornwallis urged the troops forward, in order to give full effect to their discipline ;
and rapidly combined the whole force in one line, which thereby equalled the American front. Lieut.
O’Hara was killed at his guns, and the American wings delivered a hot fire; but the militia, in the center ,
gave way, in confusion, and Singleton took his guns to the rear, in their flight.
Note III. — The American lejt gains a wooded hill and holds the pursuing British right wing,
to a separate, sharp engagement. The American right falls back in good order to the second line.
Note IV. — The second American line, resists bravely, but yields to pressure, and is put to flight,
while Washington and Kirkwood, fall back in good order, to the reserves.
Note V. — At this stage of the action, the British assume, that success is no longer in doubt, and,
that their entire progress, is to be unresisted. While the 71st regiment halts in the woods, to await a
report from the rest of the right wing, which is engaged on the wooded hill, with Lee and Campbell,
the 33d regiment halts, also. The extreme left wing was pushed directly for the American reserves,
while the 2d Guards and Grenadiers, in like manner, moved impetuously to the front, without waiting
for other support.
Note VI. — Gunby, and the left wing of Huger’s brigade, meet the British left wing, with the
bayonet, and drive them over a ravine to the west, where they remain, for a while, out of action.
Note VII. — The attack of the 2d Guards and Grenadiers was a surprise to Colonel Williams, of
the American left wing, and both guns, which had been withdrawn to this point, were captured.
Gunby, and, after his fall, Lt. Col. Howard, wheels the 1st Maryland, applies the bayonet, regains the
guns, and repulses the attack. Washington’s dragoons charge upon the disordered Guards., btewartis
killed, Gen. O’Hara is wounded, but rallies the Guards, and brings the 23d and 71st regiments into action.
To cover their advance, the guns of McLeod are placed upon a knoll, near the wood, which Singleton
should have occupied in his retreat , and Cornwallis pours fire into the American line, at risk to his
own troops, which are not wholly disengaged from the American assault.
Note VIII. — When Gunby wheeled upon the Guards, the British left, under Webster, re-crossed
the ravine and joined the main body.
Note IX. — Tarleton had dispersed Lee’s horse, and with Bose’s regiment and the 1st Guards,
takes part in the action. The American left wing is overwhelmed, and Greene withdraws his army in
good order, to Troublesome Creek, under cover of Colonel Green’s regiment, which had remained
nearly intact during the action. Cornwallis retired to Wilmington, N. C.
M em .— Tarleton says : l* If the A merican artillery had pre-occupied the small hill by the road-
side, the 23d and 71 st could not have united with the Guards ; and the result would have been
fatal to the army of Cornwallis."
gUfmttre* :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” up. 556-565.
Anderson, ^ 107 ; p. 95.
Barnes, f 2 ; p. 138.
Berard (Bush>, ^ 131; p. 174.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys) 26; p. 1
Goodrich. S. G., *[ 8 ; p. 273.
Hassard, ^ 14 ; p. 221.
School :
Holmes, T 8 ; p. 154-5.
Lossing, 6 ; p. 183-4.
Quackenbos, 393 ; p. 286-7.
42. Ridpath, T 10 ; p. 223-4.
Sadlier (Excel.', T 21; p.205.
Stephens, A. H., T 10 ; p. 225.
Swinton, ^ 9 ; p. 158.
Scott, f 7; p. 212.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), T 291 ;
p. 166.
Venable, 166 ; ,p. 127.
74
Rattle of fjobluvk gjUl
APRIL 25th, 1781
GREENE
Col. Washington, Williams, Campbell,
Gunby, Ford, Hewes, Reade, Kirkwood,
Benson, Morgan, Harrison, Beattie
Strength, 1,446 Casualties, 271
(tfommamte
LORD FRANCIS RAWDON
Campbell Robertson
Strength, 950 Casualties, 258
AMERICAN POSITION. — General Greene advanced to Log Town, within a short distance of
Camden, April 19th, for the purpose of enticing Rawdon to an action ; but failing in this, and being
too feeble to attack the post, he withdrew to Hobkirk Hill on the 24th. Upon a previous rumor, that
Lieut.-Colonel Webster was on his way to reenforce Lord Rawdon, he had sent Colonel Carrington,
with the artillery and baggage, back to Rugely’s Mills. That officer had marched eight miles, when
recalled, but did not regain camp until after 9 o’clock of the 25th. Greene had sent orders for Marion
to join him ; but Rawdon, having learned from a deserter, of this order, and that the artillery had been
sent to the rear, resolved to surprise the camp, without delay.
Hobkirk Hill is a narrow sand ridge, separating the head springs of small streams which flow to
the Wateree and Pine Tree Creek. It was then thickly wooded, and abrupt, toward Camden. Woods
also extended as far as Log Town, from which place, to Camden, the timber had been cleared, to pre-
vent its use as cover for an approach to the post.
The American troops were at breakfast, when the alarm was given, of the approach of the British
troops.
AMERICAN FORMATION.— The detachments of regular troops, then with Greene, had
proved good soldiers, and he depended upon them fully. Huger took the right, with the regiments of
Campbell and Hewes. The left wing, under Williams, consisted of the regiments of Gunby and Ford.
The three guns, on their arrival, were masked in the centre, with orders for the supporting regiments
to open their ranks after one discharge, then charge bayonet, and reserve their own fire until the ranks
of the enemy were broken. The North Carolina militia, 250 men, under Colonel Reade, formed the
reserve. In the belief that the assault would be made directly in front, orders were also given for the
wings to wheel toward the advancing column, and thus concentrate a destructive cross-fire. Colonel
Washington was to move toward Log Town at a gallop, and take Rawdon’s forces in the rear. A
small picket was also advanced a mile beyond the foot of the hill, under Kirkwood, Benson and
Morgan.
BRITISH MOVEMENTS. — Rawdon placed the post in charge of convalescents, and so closely
followed the line of swamp, to the eastward, in his march, that he gained the woods, unperceived by
the Americans, until he met their pickets. A lively skirmish, first warned Greene of the movement,
and led to the formation adopted. This route of march, however, carried the British troops to the
left of the American lines, where the approach was easier, and the position less defensible.
The British troops formed, with the Sixty-third Regiment, the New York Volunteers and the
King’s Americans, as a first line, supported by the volunteers of Ireland and Captain Robertson’s
regiment, with the South Carolina regiment ai d fifty dragoons, as a reserve.
Lord Rawdon increased his front by the supports and reserves, as he advanced, to prevent the
threatened movement upon his flank, and the action became general. The British line, thus hastily
formed, as it advanced, began to give way under the pressure of the Americans, who began to descend
the hill, as had been directed, in the plan of the battle.
Lieut.-Colonel Ford fell, severely wounded, and his men halted. Captain Beattie, on the right
of Gunby’s regiment, was mortally wounded. As the British pressed into the gap, Colonel Gunby
made the grave mistake, of retiring the other companies, to reform the regiment. This gave the
impression of retreat, and the Second Maryland Regiment fell back. Both rallied ; but it was too
late. The British troops gained the summit, silenced the guns, and the retreat became general.
Meanwhile Colonel Washington had made his detour, taken paroles from wounded officers in the
woods, gained some prisoners, and returned, to find the battle at an end.
The Americans saved their guns, which the British overlooked in their brief pursuit. Lord
Rawdon states, that “the enemy’s cavalry being superior to the British, their dragoons could not
risk much,” “ and he would not suffer the infantry to break their order, for any benefit, that might be
expected from a pursuit of the fugitives ”
General Greene retired to Rugely’s Mills, and Lord Rawdon fell back to Camden.
ffcfmtw :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 566-576.
Anderson, 108 ; p. 96.
Barnes, T — • p. — .
Berard(Bush), *[ 132; p. 174-5.
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),^ 27, p. 143.
Goodrich, S. G., *f 5; p. 273.
Hassard, *[ 17 ; p. 222.
Holmes, ^ 9 ; p. 155.
Lossing, 1" 7 ; p. 184.
Quackenbos, <f 395 ; p. 289.
Ridpath, 11 ; p. 224.
Sadlier (Excel), ^ — ; p. — .
Stephens, A. H. 11; p.225-6.
Swinton, 10 ; p. 158.
Scott, f 7 ; p. 212.
Thalheimer (Eclectic), — ;
p. — .
Venable, ^ 1C6 ; p. 127.
76
cb —
576*
-Rattle uf (Tattaur
SEPTEMBE
gUnmran ®mmmuulcv£
GREENE
Sumner, Lee, Col. Washington, Henderson
Marion, Kirkwood, Hampton, Ash,
Campbell, Armstrong, Pickens, Blount
Sweet, Williams, Malmady, Brown
Strength, 2,400 Casualties, 403
l 8th, 1781
British (Commmutns
STUART
Coffin, Majoribanks, Cruger, Sheridan
Strength, 2,000 Casualties, 693
AMERICAN SITUATION. — General Greene rested his army at the High Hills of the Santee
(see map p. 72-3), was joined by Ceneral Sumner, with 700 Continental troops from North Carolina,
and on Sept. 7t:i, encamped at Burdell’s Plantation, on the Santee River, seven miles from Eutaw
Springs. At 4 o’clock, A. M., September 8th, Greene marched to attack the British force at Eutaw
Springs.
AMERICAN FORMATION. — “ Front line, of four small battalions of militia, two of North,
and two of South Carolina.” Marion commanded the right wing, Pickens, the left wing, Colonel
Malmady, the centre, with North Carolina militia, and two 3-pounders under Lieutenant Gaines.
The second line consisted of three small brigades of Continental troops, of North Carolina, Virginia,
and 'Maryland respectively, commanded by General Sumner, Colonel Campbell, and Colonel Williams.
Captain Brown served two 6- pounders, on the road. Kirkwood’s Delaware troops formed the reserve.
Lieut.- Colonel Lee covered the right flank with his Legion horse, and Colonel Henderson, with the
Stat3 troops, covered the left.
BRITISH SITUATION. — Stuart succeeded Rawdon in command at the South, with Head-
quarters at Orangeburg, but fell back 40 miles, to Eutaw Springs, upon information that Lee, Marion,
and Pickens, were concentrating thoir forces, under Greene. At 6 o’clock, A. M., September 8th, two
deserters reported the situation of the American camp. The report was not credited. Major Coffin
had been previously sent forward, with 150 men, to reconnoitre. A detachment from the British
” Buffs,” and their flanking battalions, had been sent out very early , as usual, to dig sweet potatoes, as
they were plentiful, and bread was scarce, and no mills were near for grinding corn.
BRITISH FORMATION. — Stuart formed his line in advance of his tents, and with the pur-
pose to offset, by position, the American superiority in mounted men. The right was toward Eutaw
Creek, with Major Majoribanks, in a close thicket, nearly covered from sight. T he 3d regiment
” Irish Buffs,” which only landed June 3d, constituted the right wing proper, with the American
Royalists, under Lieut. -Colonel Cruger at the centre, and the 63d and 64th regiments on the left.
A small infantry detachment, with that of Captain Coffin, constituted a smill reserve, covering
the left flank of the camp, and the Charleston road ; while Major Sheridan, with some New York
Volunteers, occupied a brick house, within a palisaded garden, which ultimately proved 1 ear'y as
serviceable as did the Chew House at the battle of Germantown. Three guns “ were distribated
through the line.” The field, occupied by both armies, was well wooded.
NOTES.
Note I. — Coffin met the American advance guard, nearly four miles from camp, and was driven in
with a loss of 40 men. The “rooting parties,” unarmed as they were, came in, much demoralized,
leaving many prisoners in the hands of the Americans.
Note II. — Artillery firing began at 9 o’clock, with vigor, until one British piece and two American
pieces were dismounted.
Note III. — “The British left wing,” says Stuart, “by some unknown mistake, adr'anced, and
drove the North Carolina militia before them, but unexpectedly finding the Virginia and Maryland
line ready formed, and at the same time receiving a heavy fire, occasioned some confusion.”
Note IV. — T he North Carolina militia had fired seventeen rounds before retiring ; and Sumner
sent his brigade so promptly to their support, that the British yielded. They renewed the attack,
when supported by the reserve ; but the American reserve was pushed forward by Greene, and a
bayonet charge, by Williams, broke the line.
Note V. — A sharp skirmish occurred at the right, where Majoribanks was posted. Colonel Hen-
derson was wounded, and Lieut. -Colonel Wade Hampton succeeded to command of the cavalry on the
American left. Washington and Kirkwood united in the attack. The thicket was so dense that
Washington and 40 men were taken p isoners, and Majoribanks retired to the palisades of the
garden.
Note VI. — Lee entered the British camp from its left, and the British fell back, to reform, obliquely,
before the house.
Note VII. — Many American troops began to plunder the tents.
Note VIII — Greene brought up his artillery, and attempted to restore order, and break the pali-
sade defences ; but his gunners were shit down by fire from the windows (a house of three stories, as
Greene reports), and leaving-his guns, rather that sacrifice the men, he retired to Burdell’s Plan-
tation.
Note IX. — The 63d and 64th British, had served during the war, from the landing on Staten
Island, in 1779.
Note X. — On the night of the 9th, Stuart retired to Monk’s Corner, broke up, and threw in the
river, 1,000 stand of arms, and left 70 wounded men to the care of the Americans.
Mem — This was the last formal engagement at the South.
Carrington’s
Anderson, if 109 ; p. 96.
Barnes, 1 2 ; p. 138.
Berard (Bush), 1| — ; p. — .
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys), if 28; p. 143
Goodrich, S. G., if 11 ; p. 274.
Hassard, if 18 ; p. 222.
itefrvenre* :
Battles of the American Revolution
School Ipstflms':
Holmes, if 11 ; p. 156.
Lossing, if 11 : p. 185-6.
Quackenbos, if 399; p. 292-3.
Ridpath, if 14 ; p. 224.
Sadlier, (Excel), if 22 ; p. 205,
Stephens, A.H. if 14; p. 226-7
78
PP- 577-584.
Swinton, if 12 ; p. 158.
Scott, if 11 ; p. 214.
Thalheimer (Eclecticl, ‘
p. 166 ;
Venable, if 166; p. 127.
582*
1 ■?> Cmm/erf ar/d JJr/rw/ f/j/Co/. rarr/rtcffoM j
(Opcrattun* in (tthwaytaht Can
THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
The effort to isolate the South, from the central colonies, came to an end with the surrender of
Cornwallis in 1781.
From 1776, Virginia had been the scene of almost constant invasion and depredation.
As early as March 29th, 1777, General Charles Lee, then prisoner of war, in New York, thus
addressed Admiral Howe and his brother, General Howe. “ If the Province of Maryland, or the
greater part of it, is reduced, or submits, and the people of Virginia are prevented or intimidated,
from marching aid to the Pennsylvania army, the whole machine is divided, and a period put to the
war ; and if it (this plan,) is adopted in full, I am so confident of success that I would stake my life
on the issue. Apprehensions from General Carleton’s army will, I am confident, keep the New
Englanders at home, or at least confine ’em to the east side of the river. I would advise that four
thousand men be immediately embarked in transports, one-half of which should proceed up the’ Po-
tomac, and take post at Alexandria ; the other half up Chesaapeake Bay, and possess themselves of
Annapolis.”
Earl Cornwallis, when urging the transfer of his own operations from the Southern colonies, ex-
plicitly recognized the military importance of Chesapeake Bay, and that Virginia was the only base,
subordinate to New York, from which to subjugate the South. He thus wrote to General Clinton,
April 10th, 1781.
“ I cannot help expressing my wishes that the Chesapeake may become the seat of war, even (if
necessary) at the expense of abandoning New York. Until Virginia is, in a measure, subdued, our
hold of the Carolinas must be difficult, if not precarious. The rivers of Virginia are advantageous
to an invading army ; but North Carolina is, of all the provinces in North America, the most difficult
to attack (unless material assistance could be got from the inhabitants of the country, the contrary of
which I have sufficiently experienced) — on account of its great extent, of its numberless rivers and
creeks, and the total want of interior navigation.”
On the 13th of April, he wrote to Lord Germaine : “ The great reenforcements sent by Virginia to
General Greene, whilst General Arnold was in the Chesapeake, are convincing proofs that small ex-
peditions do not frighten that powerful province.”
On the 21st of August, 1781, Washington, writing from Head Quarters, Kings Ferry, to Governor
Livingston, thus confidentially disclosed his plans. (See Mag. Am. Hist., Feb. 1881, vol. IV, p. 141,
and “ Carrington’s Battles,” 4th Edition, p. 616, note).
Washington states therein, that l' He intended to march in person, with the whole of the French
army, and a detachment from the American army, with as much despatch as circumstances would
admit, into Virginia, believing, that with the arrival of the Count De Grasse and his fleet, with a
body of French troops on board, this would be the fairest opportunity to reduce the whole British
force in the South, and ruin their boasted expectations in that quarter.”
It was in the maturing events of 1781, that Washington disclosed the value of his early con-
ception of the war, and its demands, and vindicated the wisdom of that strategy which he had so fully
appreciated and enforced.
Note. — When the manceuvers of the French fleet led the British squadron into the offing,thereto
give battle, but thereby allowed the French fleet to enter from Rhode Island with siege guns
for the land batteries, and then join De Grasse, and obtain absolute supremacy, it was plain that no
adequate aid could come to Cornwallis, by sea ; and the allied operations about New York, had as-
sured Sir Henry Clinton that he could never again successfully invade New Jersey. The crowning
military fact which attaches to the siege of Yorktown itself, is to be derived from the knowledge, that
it was the culmination of that stragetical conduct, by which Washington attested his character as a
soldier throughout the war.
Mem. — Among the interesting /acts to be associated with Chesapeake Bay , is this, that be/ore
Admiral Graves sailed for New York in 1781, the heaviest naval armament known to viaratime
warfare, viz: seventy-two hostile line-of-battle ships and heavy frigates, was footing on its surf ace.
80
593*
in |li*0tuia
American (tmumanber*
LAFAYETTE
WAYNE MUHLENBERG STEUBEN
On the x8th of March, 1781, General Greene wrote thus, to Washington: “ Could the Marquis
(Lafayette) join us at this moment, we should have a glorious campaign. It would put Lord Corn-
wallis and his whole army into our hands.”
On the 25th of April, Cornwallis left Wilmington, for Virginia, and Lafayette, who had reached
Richmond, on the 29th, by a forced march from Baltimore, made plans, if reenforced in time, to
anticipate the march of Cornwallis, and cut him off from union with Phillips. The reenforcements,
seven hundred veterans, under Wayne, had been started southward by Washington, but were delayed
in their march. On the 18th of May, Greene assigned Lafayette to the command in Virginia, but to
“ send all reports to the commander-in-chief ” On the 25th of May, Cornwallis was joined by Gen.
eral Leslie, with 2,278 fresh troops, which increased his force to 7,000 men, and he wrote to General
Clinton, that “ he should proceed to dislodge Lafayette from Richmond.”
ihntiah (TuramaitbciHi
CORNWALLIS
O’HARA SIMCOE TARLETON
PARALLEL NOTES
Note I. — The General Assembly adjourned to Charlottesville May 24th, and Cornwallis crossed
James River at Westover, on the 25th, encamping his whole army at White Oak Swamp on the 27th,
in order to take Richmond in rear. Lafayette, with a force less than one-third that of his adversary
left the city northward, leading the British more than twenty miles.
Note II. — Cornwallis crossed the Chickahominy (see map), passed Hanover C. H., crossed the
Pamunkey, then the North Anna, above New Found Creek, to head off the American column ; but
on the 29th, Lafayette still held the lead, crossed the North Anna, and was on his march to Spottsyl-
vania Court House, in the supposed direction of Wayne’s approach.
Note III.— Cornwallis dropped the pursuit, sent Tarlefon to Charlottesville, to attempt a capture
of the General Assembly, and marched to Byrd Creek, where he joined Simcoe, and also Tarleton,
upon return of the latter from Charlottesville. The army, reunited, after forcing Steuben from his
supply camp, at Elk Island, marched eastward, toward Richmond. Lafayette had been joined by
Wayne, turned southward along Southwest Mountains, and by the 19th of June, when Steuben joined
him, was marching parallel with the British army, the pursued having become the pursuers.
Note IV. — On the 23d of June, the American army had increased, by militia additions, to nearly
6,000 men, including 1,500 regulars. The British had abandoned Richmond on the 20th, and on the
25th, Lafayette so hotly pressed their columns at Williamsburg, that the entire British army moved
out to protect its rear. Each army lost 30 men in the engagement.
On the 4th of July, the “ Battle of Jamestown ” was fought, the British losing 75, and the
Americans 118 ; but Cornwallis crossed the James River, and Lafayette marched to Williamsburg and
shut up the peninsula.
Note V.-On the 9th of July, Tarleton made a fruitless raid (see map) to New London, Bedford
County, and then joined Cornwallis, who took post at Yorktown, August 4th. By the 22d, the entire
British army had concentrated at Yorktown and Gloucester. Lafayette sent Wayne to cut off retreat,
southward, and in urging Washington to come in person, and take command, concludes : “ the British
army must be forced to surrender. I heartily thank you for having ordered me to remain in Virginia.
It is to your goodness that I am indebted for the most beautiful prospect I may ever behold.”
Mem. — The forced march to Richmond , skirmish at Williamsburg , the Battle of Jamestown
and the weeks of rapid manoeuvre , which wore out and shut up the army of Cornwallis , vindi-
cate the confidence which Washington and Greene reposed in Lafayette; and the campaign , which
Tarleton complimented in high terms , will stand , in history , as one of the most brilliant of the
war .
Rcfcrcticeo :
Carrington’s “ Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 584-598.
School
Anderson, no ; p. 96. Holmes, ^f 12 ; p. 157.
Barnes, ^f 2 ; p. 139. Lossing. If 13 ; p. 186.
Berard (Bush), ^f — ; p. — . Quackenbos, Tf 400 ; p. 294.
Goodrich, C. A.(Seaveys),^ 30, p. 141. Ridpath, If 17; p. 226.
Goodrich. S. G., *f 1-2; p. 276. Sadlier (Excel), ^f 23 ; p. 206.
Hassard, Tf 9 ; p. 226. Stephens, A. H. ^ 15; p.227-8.
82
Swinton, T — ; p. — .
Scott, 1 — ; p. — .
Thalheimer (Eclectic),
p. — .
Venable, T 167; p. 128.
1
gimfMrt at $ti?«t Jmtfciw
SEPTEMBER 6th, 1781
On the 6th day of September, 1781, the twenty-fourth birthday of Lafayette, and while Wash-
ington and Rochambeau were hastening to join the Army of Virginia, and consummate plans for the
rescue of that Colony and the capture of Cornwallis, it was left to General Clinton to express his
chagrin at thorough out-generalship, by a raid into Connecticut, under the traitor Arnold.
The expedition left New York, September 4th, and entered the harbor of New London, at half-
past six in the morning, two days later. According to Arnold’s Official Report, the landing was
effected on both sides of the harbor, about nine o’clock, September 6th.
As a diversion, to annoy Washington, it was trifling; if so intended. He never swerved from
general plans, for small local issues. As a military movement, it contemplated no battle, no substan-
tial resistance ; and, while it might plunder and destroy, it could only intensify opposition to Great
Britain As a matter of military policy, it was wretched, since Arnold, the traitor, was sent to lay
waste his own birthplace.
FORT TRUMBULL, on the New London bank of the Thames River, was a mere breastwork,
or water battery, almost open, landward. Just west of this, on high ground, a small redoubt had
been established, but it bore the name, “ Fort Folly,” or “ Fort Nonsense, and had no defenders,
Fort Trumbull, itself, was occupied by not more than thirty men, State troops, under Captain Adam
Shapley.
FORT GRISWOLD, which crowned the height on the east shore, was a well conceived redoubt,
with parapet, bastions, a covered entrance, a well of water, and was supplemented by a small advanced
redoubt, slightly down the hill, and this connected by a close passage with the main work. The
garrison was less than 160 men, under Lieut. Colonel Ledyard. A small knoll, or ledge, called Avery’s
Hill, was to the northeast, but while not commanding the works, was a place for the lodgment of
assailants, and was finally occupied by the invaders.
British
ARNOLD conducted the left wing, or column, which burned the town. It consisted of 4 com-
panies of the 38th regiment, under Captain Millett ; a detachment of Yagers, with two 6-pounder
guns, a portion of the Legion of Loyal Americans, and 120 “American Refugees,” under Captain
Frink, from Long Island.
Note I. — Millett advanced upon Fort Trumbull, and received a volley which disabled several
men; but the small command of Shapley, took boats for Fort Griswold, losing several men, in one boat,
which was shattered by a ball, but joining its garrison.
Note II. — When Arnold reached New London, and saw the escape of Shapley, and the defensive
condition of Fort Griswold, he sent orders to Lieut. Colonel Eyre, countermanding the movement on
the east side; but too late, as the advance had been made. His own movements were confined to the
unresisted destruction of property. He burned ten or twelve ships, with their stores, one of which,
the Hannah, from London, recently captured as a prize by the Americans, contained powder. Arnold
claimed that the fire which burned 65 dwellings, 35 stores and warehouses, 80 ships, 20 barns, a meeting-
house, court-house, jail, market-house, and custom-house, was the result of the explosion of powder,
and a change of wind, which “ unfortunately destroyed, notwithstanding efforts to prevent it.”
The Height Wing m[ SnUtmn
LIEUT. COL. EYRE landed, back of Pine Island, and advanced in two divisions, the 54th and
40th regiments, respectively, leading each. One gun and one howitzer accompanied the command. The
right division was supported by a detachment of Yagers, and the left division, by New Jersey Volun-
teers ; but the last named fell behind, while making the circuit of swampy ground, and aid not rejoin,
until the storming party mounted the rampart.
CAPT. BECKWITH, who bore from Eyre to Ledyard, a demand for surrender of the fort, re-
ceived, through Captain Shapley, the prompt rejection of terms. The prompt reenforcement of the
fort by militia, who were available, and partially depended upon, in the debate as to the demand for
surrender, might have assured a final repulse. Better defences than at Breed’s Hill, in 1775, covered
the defenders; but although Colonel Nathan Gallup, of the Groton militia, had faith in his ability to
fill the fort with men, they would not consent to be enclosed by works, with no avenue for escape.
The real battle was quickly fought. The storming parties on the south and southeast, were. compelled
to pass a deep ditch, and climb an embankment of twelve feet. Those from the east, entered through
three embrasures in the rampart, flanking the salient angle. The Yagers passed around, nearly to the
gate. The first repulse inflicted a slaughter of the assailants, greater than the number of the garrison.
The second assault crowned the parapet. Eyre and three other officers had been wounded, and Major
Montgomery was kifled by a spear, so that Major Broomfield, a New Jersey Loyalist, took command
in the final charge with bayonets. Lieut. Colonel Buskirk, of the New Jersey Volunteers, came up
tardily, but participated in the assault.
Lieut. Colonel Ledyard ordered the gate opened, and, fairly surrendered the fort ; but nothing
would satisfy the tory allies of the British troops, but wholesale slaughter of the brave defenders.
Eighty-five men were found dead, and sixty were dangerously wounded. The American loss, up to
the moment of a fair surrender, had been trifling.
The British loss was severe, having been officially reported as “ oneMajor,” one Captain, one Lieu-
tenant, two Ensigns, two Sergeants, and forty rank and file killed ; and one Lieut. Colonel, two Cap-
tains, one Lieutenant, one Ensign, eight Sergeants, two drummers, and one hundred and twenty-
seven wounded ; making total casualties, one hundred and sixty-three.
Hcfmucco :
Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution
gi0t0m0:
Holmes, T 15 ; p. 158.
Lossing, If 15 ; p. 187.
Quackenbos,^f 400; p. 294.
Ridpath If 5 ; p. 222.
Sadlier (Excel),^f — ; p. —
Stephens, A. H. If — ; p. — .
84
Anderson, T 113 ; p. 97.
Barnes, ^f Note ; p. 140.
Berard (Bush), If 137 ; p
Goodrich, C. A. (Seaveys),1 —
Goodrich, S. G., 1 6 ; p. 271
Hassard, If 7 ; p. 225.
[76.
pp. 625-630
Swinton, T — ; p. — .
Scott, If 15 ; P- 215- .
Thalbeimer (Eclectic), T 295 ;
p. 171-2.
Venable, ^f — ; p. — .
of l)iivhtmun,
Strength of Allied Forces, 16,400
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Commander-in-Chief
gMnerican
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE
General LINCOLN
“ WAYNE
“ KNOX
“ DU PORTAIL
“ BARON STEUBEN
“ NELSON
“ WEEDON
“ CLINTON
“ ST. CLAIR
“ LAWSON
“ MUHLENBERG
Colonel HAMILTON
“ STEVENS LAMB
“ CARRINGTON
“ SCAMMEL
“ LAURENS
Lieut. -Gen. COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU
“ and Admiral COUNT DE GRASSE
Admiral COUNT DE BARRAS
General DE BEVILLE
“ BARON DE VIOMENIL
“ MARQUIS DE CHASTELLUX
“ M. DE CHOISY
Chevalier Colonel DE LAMETH
Colonel COUNT DE DUMAS
“ COUNT DE DEUX PONTS
“ GIMAT
General DUKE DE LAUZUN
“ DE ST. SIMON
MARQUIS DE LA ROUERIE
MARQUIS DE L. MONTMORENCI
MARQUIS DE SAINT MAIME
MARQUIS DE CUSTINE
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Washington and Rochambeau pressed Lieut. General Clinton, British commander, at New
York, so closely, that he believed that their feints were real movements' and called upon Cornwallis
to send troops to resist a threatened siege of New York, August 25th. The allied armies were west
of Hudson River, but not to attack Staten Island or New York. September 2d, the American army,
and September 3d, the French army, swept swiftly through Philadelphia. On the 5th, while passing
Chester, Washington learned from a courier, that Count de Grasse was off the coast ; and on the 14th ,
he was at Lafayette’s headquarters, at Williamsburg, Va.
grttfeh (Commanbcr*
EARL CORNWALLIS, Lieut. -General
O’HARA SIMCOE TARLETON
Strength, 8,525
Note I. — Washington, asking on the 15th. for transportation for his troops, from head of Elk
River, found, that Admiral de Barras had already sent ships for that purpose. On the 18th, with
Rochambeau, Knox, and Du Portail, he visited De Grasse, upon his flagship, “ La Ville de Paris.”
Note II. — September 23th, the army (12,400 regulars, and 4,000 militia) concentrated, at Williams-
burg ; took position, within two miles of British advanced works, on the 28th and, after reconnois-
ance in force, on the 29th environed Yorktown. Colonel Scammel was mortally wounded; British
out-works were abandoned. Lincoln occupied the banks of Wormley Creek, near the Moore House.
(See map, for location of besieging forces).
Note III. — On the Gloucester side, Duke de Lauzun, with his cavalry; Weedon’s Virginia militia,
and 800 French marines, all under General de Choisy, held the Neck, cutting off retreat northward.
Tarleton’s last exploit, was in a collision with Lauzun’s dragoons, in which he was unhorsed.
Note IV. — October 6th, heavy guns were brought up, and the first parallel was opened, 600 yards
from the lines, under Lincoln. On the 7th and 8th, guns were mounted on the works, which the
British had previously abandoned.
At 5 P. M., October 9th, the Americans, on the right, opened fire, with six 18 and 24-pounders,
two mortars, two howitzers ; and the French opened fire, on the left, with four 12-pounders, and six
howitzers. On the 10th, two French, and two American batteries, opened fire from ten 18 and 24-
pounders, and eight mortars, One hot shot burned the frigate Charon (44).
Note V.— October nth, the second parallel was begun, within 300 yards. October 14th, it be-
came necessary to silence two redoubts, next the river. A column, organized by Lafayette, with
Hamilton as immediate commander, and one organized by Baron de Viomenil, with Count Deux
Ponts, as immediate commander, stormed the redoubts, at one rocket signal, at night, with perfect
success. Laurens supported Hamilton, and in the assault, Colonels Gimat, Barber, Count de Dumas,
Chevalier de Lameth, and Count de Deux Ponts, were wounded. At left of parallel, marked F, a
ravine answered for a covered approach. (It was also utilized by Colonel Poe, United States Engineer,
in 1862.)
Note VI. — On the 19th of October, pursuant to articles, signed, on the 18th, by Cornwallis
and Symonds, at Yorktown ; and by Washington, Rochambeau, and De Barras (for himself and De
Grasse), “ in the trenches, before Yorktown, in Virginia.” the surrender of the British army and post
was completed.
Note VII. — American casualties, 33 killed, 65 wounded; French , 52 killed, 134 wounded.
British , 156 killed, 326 wounded, and 70 missing. Force surrendered, Officers and men, 7,073, and of
seamen and shipping, 900.
KcfcvcuiTS :
Carrington’s “ Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 631-647.
^ ritual fiijsitonc^:
Anderson, ^ 114 ; p. 97.
Barnes, If 3 ; p. 139-40.
Berard (Bush), T 140; p. 177.
Goodrich. C. A. (Seaveys),! J3-4,
Goodrich. S. G.,*f 4-9; p. 277-8.
Hassard, 1" 13 ; p. 227.
Holmes, f 13 ; p. 227. Swinton, f 4 ; p. 158.
Lossing, T 16 ; p. 187-8. Scott, 1" 16-18; p. 216.
Quackenbos, ^f 400-2; p. 293-5. Thalheimer (Eclectic), 1 303-6 ;
145. Ridpath, 1 18 ; p. 226. p. 175-6.
Sadlier (Excel), If 16-18; p.214. Venable, T 167; p. 128-9.
Stephens, A. H. ^ 18; p.229.
86
j American,*
3 French ,
'Mr dish.
Comfizled and Drawn fatal fariry&m.
646*
£»innmav» of ©units
©he HHat for American gnfcepenfcence
Had its true policy declared by Gen. Nathaniel
Greene, then in camp before Boston, during
June, 1775. It was this, in brief :
(See Carrington’s “Battles of the American Revolution,” pp. 80-91.)
1. One General-in-Chief.
2. Enlistments, for the war.
3. Bounties, for families of soldiers in the field.
4. Service, to be general, regardless of place of enlistment.
5. Money loans to be effected, equal to the demands of
the war.
6. A Declaration of Independence, with the pledge of all
the resources, of each Colony, to its support.
(Original Jlrntg (Oviiamsation
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Commanto-in-^huf
HORATIO GATES
Adjutant $*neval
Pajnr Generate
(ranking as named)
ARTEMAS WARD CHARLES LEE PHILIP SCHUYLER
ISRAEL PUTNAM
SETH POMEROY, RICHARD MONTGOMERY, DAVID WOOSTER
WILLIAM HEATH, JOSEPH SPENCER
JOHN THOMAS, NATHANIEL GREENE.
Declaration of gn&cyen&ence
July 4th, 1776
Smrrcniier of Cornwallis
October 19th, 1781
Cessation of Docilities
Officially Declared, April 18th, 1783
88
A BOOK FOR HISTORICAL STUDENTS.
Battles of the American Revolution.
BY HENRY B. CARRINGTON, M. A.. LL. D.,
Colonel United States Army.
The following are a few selections from personal and press notices, at home and abroad :
From Ex. Pres. THeo. Woolsey, of Yale College.
— “ l think it a book of permanent value ; not milk
for babes, but strong meat for men. To me, at least,
it will be an authority, and I believe it will have a
permanent place among books, furnishing the coun-
try with the means of judging the campaigns of
Washington and the Revolution.”
From Gen. W. T. Sherman, U. S. Army.—14 1 have
carefully examined its general order of arrange-
ment, the maps and illustrations. The first thirteen
chapters form an excellent epitome or treatise on
the Science and Art of War,- which taken in connec-
tion with the description of battles, will have the
effect of teaching American youth the Art of War
in connection with our own history, thus accom-
plishing the double purpose. We are all indebted to
you for the labor and expense of preparing this
volume, and I hope it will in time fully re-imburse
you.”
From Hon. Wm. M. Evarts, New York City.—
“Col. Carrington’s book on the ‘Battles of the
Revolution ’ fills an important place in history not
before occupied. His literary and military qualifi-
cations, combined, furnish all desirable guarantees
of the completeness of his execution of the task he
has undertaken. I have examined his maps, which
are prepared with great fullness and care, and find
them an ample illustration to guide the unprofes-
sional reader to correct and intelligent views of the
battles and attendant military operations.”
From Hon. George Bancroft.— “An entirely new
field of historical labor.” “ A splendid volume,
which I see at once is the fruit of much toil and
careful research, and the advantage of military
experience.”
From Benson J. Lossing, Esq., Historian.— “ A
necessary companion to the histories of that period.”
“ I am satisfied that no one can fully understand the
philosophy of the old war for Independence and the
true relations of all its events until he has made a
careful and thoughtful perusal of your work. It is
an absolute necessity in our literature, furnishing,
as it does, a hitherto unsupplied want. Its arrange-
ment and style are such as to arrest the attention of
the most superficial reader and hold it by a charm
like that of the wildest romance of the heroic age
of America. As a citizen of the great Republic of
the West, I cordially thank you for this important
contribution to our national literature. Visits to
the battle-fields, and a careful study of the surveys
made by engineers engaged in that conflict, have
made me quite familiar with the localities described
by the maps, and I can freely say that I have been
deeply impressed by the evidence of carefulness and
fidelity to truth displayed in their delineations.”
From William L. Stone, Historian.—'4 Your book
should be on the shelves of every scholar in our
country.” It is invaluable.”
From the London Saturday Review.— 44 The
carefully and minutely detailed account of each
movement and every important action, illustrated
by careful plans and maps, render the work highly
valuable for the purposes of a mere military history,
and it will probably be a favorite with all critics and
strategists interested in the peculiar kind of war of
which it affords one of the most signal examples. It
is a useful text book in military colleges, not only
in England and America, but in every country where
soldiers are likely to be engaged in warfare in half-
civilized and thinly-settled lands.
From the N. Y.
From the Army and Navy Journal.— 44 This is
the most impartial and conservative criticism on
military affairs in this country which the century has
produced.”
From the New York Times.—44 The battles of the
Revolution are taken up in their chronological
order ; the movements, military and political events
leading up to them and bearing on them are given ;
the actual conflict is described in a vivid, forcible
way that leaves a clear impression of the potential
incidents on the mind, and then, just why and how
the battles were lost and won, is explained. The
work bears evidence all the way through of wide
and pains-taking research. Maps and battle plans,
based on the best authority, help the understanding
of the text. There is that excellent thing in a book,
a good index. The author maintains throughout an
attitude of judicial impartiality, but is always much
more and liberal with praise than with blame. To
the military student this work must be of special
interest and value, while to the general reader it
will afford the best means, always, of arriving at a
clear understanding of the cause and results of any
of the important engagements of the Revolution.
Colonel Carrington is entitled to the thanks of his
countrymen for having done his work.”
From the Indianapolis (Ind.) Journal.— 44 The
whole volume teems with documents which give a
new cast to leading battles. An original element
closes and adds value to the work, so that it appeals
to every profession, finds a place in every family,
and can be appreciated by mechanics and schoolboys,
as well as by scholars. A table of contents of chap-
ters, a 1st of the maps, and a reference table of
authors and libraries consulted, in America and
Europe, forms a part of the completeness with
which the volume enters into the permanent record
of American history. ’
From the Louisville (Ky.) Courier- Journal —
44 This story of the Battles of the Revolution is based
upon official reports and on the statements of au-
thorities to whom reference is made. The maps are
the work of the author, based upon those previously
published, or upon personal inspection of the battle
fields. The volume will prove instructive to those
who seek general knowledge of military operations
through this application in popular form, or military
principles to familiar examples, and presents in an
Interesting shape a single record of all the battles of
the Revolution.”
From the Churchman, Hartford, Ct.— 44 There is,
strange to say, an air of freshness in this book.
Works on the Revolution are not, by any means rare.
But we find here something that bears a character
of its own. The author discusses the war of ’76 in
the light of military science. He is a thoughtful
writer, and his book is one of substantial value. He
treats the subject in a philosophical way, and almost
everything he says tends to stimulate thought.”
From the Cincinnati (O.) Gazette.—44 The author
has aimed to give a clear account of the different
operations, has avoided all useless detail, but pre-
served enough of anecdote and incident to make the
book interesting to the general reader ; introduced
much new information, and drawn his own conclu-
sions from the wealth of matter which he com-
manded. He has succeeded, as an author, in com-
bining the exactness of the historian with the
interesting descriptive power of the writer whose
works prove attractive to the reader, who is in
search of pleasure as well as profit.”
Independent.
“ The whole volume is written with military precision and accuracy, and covers completely an important
ground which has never been described before in any similar manner. There are plenty of maps and an
exhaustive index.”
Royal Octavo Cloth, $6 00; Sheep, $7.50 ; Half Calf or Morocco, $9.00; Full Morocco, $12.00.
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